Rickles Docu On Tap For HBO

The life of legendary comedian Don Rickles will be the subject of an HBO documentary debuting Dec. 2.

Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project, directed by John Landis (Animal House) will feature clips from the comic’s career as well as interviews with Rickles’ friends and colleagues. The 90-minute documentary will premiere Dec. 2.

HBO said the documentary will feature rare footage spotlighting the comic’s “notorious” appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, as well as recent footage of Rickles’ Las Vegas stage act.

In addition to Rickles himself, the documentary will feature appearances from such stars as Dave Attell, Roseanne Barr, Ernest Borgnine, James Caan, Billy Crystal, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Jimmy Kimmel, Larry King,  Steve Lawrence, Jay Leno, Richard Lewis, George Lopez, Ed McMahon, Bob Newhart, Regis Philbin, Sidney Poitier, Carl Reiner, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Rivers, Chris Rock, Bob Saget, Martin Scorsese, Sarah Silverman, the Smothers Brothers, George Wallace and Robin Williams.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.