Don Rickles: One Night Only at the Apollo Theatre

Jerry Seinfeld served as the master of ceremonies for Don Rickles: One Night Only, a televised tribute that aired on Spike TV on 28/05/2014. The event was recorded at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City, and honored comedian Don Rickles on the occasion of his 88th birthday, celebrating a career in entertainment that spanned several decades. As host, Seinfeld opened the program with a monologue that referenced Rickles’s long-established comedic style, which often involved direct and improvised insults directed at audiences and fellow performers. Throughout the broadcast, Seinfeld introduced a series of guests from across film, television, and comedy, guiding the structure of the tribute as speakers delivered remarks and performances recognizing Rickles’s career. During the special, Seinfeld described Rickles as one of the defining figures in stand-up comedy, placing him among a group of influential performers that he associated with shaping the art form. The event featured appearances by a wide range of entertainers, including David Letterman, Jon Stewart, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, each contributing segments that reflected on Rickles’s impact and legacy. The program combined live tributes, comedic routines, and personal reflections, forming part of a series of “One Night Only” specials produced for television. Seinfeld’s role as host provided continuity across the event, linking the various segments and participants into a single broadcast. #JerrySeinfeld #DonRickles #ComedyTribute #ApolloTheater #Television #2014Events