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 By
Val-Jeanné Jupiter
Wednesday evening November 15, was an exiting night for family, friends and
fans, of the legendary comedian Don Rickles. The dapper looking 80 year old was
the first comedian to be immortalized and honored with a bronze plaque in a
sidewalk ceremony in the garden of Ceasars Palace for the new Caesars Roman
Plaza Celebrity Walk of Fame. This walk of fame event commemorates the first of
many presentations celebrating unforgettable performances of great headline
performers over the past 40 years. Because the inaugural honor coincided with
The Comedy Festival, Nov. 14 – 18, at Caesars Palace, the resort chose the
comedy star who is featured in the festival, as its first honoree.
The ceremony, which was open to the public, took place on a
stage set up with a row of white chairs. “Julius Caesar” made an entrance and
gave a few opening remarks followed by two Trojan warriors and fair maidens.
Gary Selesner (President of Caesar’s Palace) and Bob Christani (CEO of Caesars
Palace) were on also on hand to give welcoming speeches to everyone and say a
few additional words.
Acting as Rickle’s presenter was television and film star Whoopi Goldberg.
Whoopi stated that she felt honored to be presenting this plaque to Don Rickles
because she thought he was a great comedian and added, “for the things he could
say and get laughs, would get any of us a punch in the face”. Don Rickles
received a standing ovation as he walked out and upon receiving the plaque, the
funnyman began telling jokes and cracking up the audience. Nevertheless, you
could hear the heartfelt emotion of gratitude in his voice as he said his
“thank-yous”. Rickles acknowledged his wife of 41 years and thanked her for
putting up with him and supporting him through his career. It was so romantic.
Named the Caesars Palace Laurel, the bronze plaque will
display a large laurel wreath along with Rickles’ name, autograph and the
ceremony date. The plaque will be installed in the sidewalks that rim the
Caesars Palace front fountains and gardens at a later date.
Thank you Don, for bringing laughter and joy into my life and the lives of
others. |
