THE COMEDY AWARDS” TO HONOR LEGENDARY COMEDIAN DON RICKLES WITH THE “JOHNNY CARSON AWARD FOR COMEDIC EXCELLENCE”

AWARD TO BE PRESENTED BY JON STEWART

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NEW YORK, April 2, 2012 – “The Comedy Awards,” the annual event dedicated to honoring and
celebrating the world of comedy, announced today that legendary comedian Don Rickles will be honored as the recipient of the prestigious “Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence” at this year’s ceremony. “The Daily Show’s” Jon Stewart will present him with the prestigious award.
The “Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence” is presented annually in honor of iconic
comedian and talk show host Johnny Carson, to an individual who embodies the same comedic
excellence of the renowned and beloved comic powerhouse. Rickles, who credits Carson for giving him his first big break and was a frequent guest and guest host on “The Tonight Show,” appearing over 100 times during Carson’s tenure, is being honored for more than 55 years of outstanding work in stand-up comedy, paving the way for countless entertainers. He is the second recipient of this award, following David Letterman, who was presented with the honor by Bill Murray at last year’s inaugural ceremony.

“Don Rickles is an American treasure. Together with the John W. Carson Foundation we are
thrilled to be honoring him at ‘The Comedy Awards’ this year,” said Casey Patterson, Executive Producer, “The Comedy Awards” and EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group.
Rickles commented, “I’ve been blessed with many highlights in my career but guesting with
Johnny Carson on ‘The Tonight Show’ was particularly memorable for me as they were more than just appearances, they became events. Carson was Mr. Magic. He always made me feel that my talent was something special. To receive an award bearing Johnny’s name means everything to me as he will go down in history as the greatest in his field.”

download the complete press release here :

The Comedy Awards Honors Don Rickles with the Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence

Donald Jay “Don” Rickles is an American stand-up comedian and actor. A frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Rickles has acted in comedic and dramatic roles, but is best known as a ZINGER comic.

The documentary consists of tape of Don’s show (never been filmed before), interviews with Don’s contemporaries, (Steve Lawrence, Bob Newhart, Debbie Reynolds, etc.), established comedians (Billy Crystal, Rosanna Barr, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, etc.) and young comedians (Jeff Atoll, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, etc.). We have interviewed over 30 people including actors, directors (John Landis, Christopher Guest, Sidney Poitier, Jay Leno, etc.) and various people in Don’s life (his composer, orchestra, manager etc.). In addition, we will use some of Don’s home movies, clips from the Tonight Show, various TV shows, movies etc. We’ll see one of the last great comedians of his era.