Let me tell you a story about Rich Little, the legendary celebrity impersonator who’s been making audiences laugh for decades. One day, the great Don Rickles pulled him aside for what Rich thought would be a serious chat. “I was backstage visiting him,” Rich, now 80, told Closer Weekly in their latest issue, available now. “He looked at me with this dead serious face and said, ‘Let’s talk. Pull up a chair.’ I was thinking, ‘Oh boy, here it comes.’ But you know what he said? ‘I like how you’re combing your hair.’” Rich laughed and replied, “I like how you are, too!” Without missing a beat, the sharp-tongued Don shot back, “Don’t get smart with me!”
Get to know Rich Little, the man behind some of the most iconic impressions in entertainment history, on our exclusive Classic TV Podcast.
Remembering Don Rickles: A Legend Who Left a Lasting Impression
Rich has nothing but admiration for his late friend Don Rickles, who passed away in 2017. To honor their friendship, Rich recently reissued his memoir, Little by Little: People I’ve Known and Been, adding a new chapter dedicated to Don. “What always amazed me about Don was his quick thinking,” Rich reminisced. “He wasn’t just one step ahead of you—he was two steps ahead. His wit was lightning-fast, and it made him one of a kind.”
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Rich Little’s Journey Through Show Business
Rich’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with unforgettable moments and legendary figures. He remembers Bing Crosby as a humble and kind man, saying, “Bing was just so sweet-natured. He had this incredible presence without ever trying too hard.” As for Frank Sinatra, Rich joked, “We got along great. He never hit me or anything!” Back in 1964, when Rich guest-starred on The Judy Garland Show, he recalls the chaos backstage. “Getting Peter Lawford sober and Judy Garland out of her dressing room was quite the challenge,” he laughed. “Judy was such a talented woman, but she struggled with insecurity. One day, she invited me to the movies, though we never actually went. But we connected, and that’s what mattered.”
Lucille Ball: A Star Who Sparkled Both On and Off Screen
One of Rich’s favorite memories is working with Lucille Ball on her sitcom Here’s Lucy in 1971. “I thought she’d be this strict, no-nonsense kind of person, but she was nothing like that,” he smiled. “She was pure fun. We had a great relationship, and I’ll always cherish those times.”
For more heartwarming stories from Rich Little, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now—and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop!
Want to hear Rich’s incredible tales? Listen to our exclusive Classic TV podcast interview with him.
