Able Quote by Don Rickles
“I've never been able to tell jokes. In the beginning of my career I did impressions and jokes like any other comedian, but I was never very successful because I did it poorly. So I started to talk to the audience and started talking about the atmosphere around me and started to become angry, not in a mean-spirited way, but in a fun way - and my attitude developed from there.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Comedy career retrospective, 2019
When jokes failed, shifting to audience interaction and a playful angry tone created a successful comedic style.
In simple terms: Changing approach to audience and tone led to success.
Key Takeaway
Adapt style and engage audience to find your comedic voice.
Themes
adaptation
audience engagement
humor style
Mood
humorous
reflective
Type
comedic
personal growth
When to use this quote
- stand‑up shows
- writing sessions
- workshops
- live events
Key Concepts
improvisation
emotional tone
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you use emotion without offending?
- What other styles could you experiment with?
A Different Perspective
Relying on anger may alienate some viewers if not balanced.
