Don Rickles Receives 'Johnny Carson Award' at THE COMEDY AWARDS, Airing Tonight, 5/6

THE COMEDY AWARDS, the annual event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world of comedy, honored legendary comedian Don Rickles as the recipient of the prestigious "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence" at this year's ceremony in April. "The Daily Show's" Jon Stewart presented the prestigious award.

The "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence" is presented annually in honor of iconic comedian and talk show host Johnny Carson, to an individual who embodies the same comedic excellence of the renowned and beloved comic powerhouse. Rickles, who credits Carson for giving him his first big break and was a frequent guest and guest host on "The Tonight Show," appearing over 100 times during Carson's tenure, is being honored for more than 55 years of outstanding work in stand-up comedy, paving the way for countless entertainers. He is the second recipient of this award, following David Letterman, who was presented with the honor by Bill Murray at last year's inaugural ceremony.

"Don Rickles is an American treasure. Together with the John W. Carson Foundation we are thrilled to be honoring him at 'The Comedy Awards' this year," said Casey Patterson, Executive Producer, "The Comedy Awards" and EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group.

Rickles commented, "I've been blessed with many highlights in my career but guesting with Johnny Carson on 'The Tonight Show' was particularly memorable for me as they were more than just appearances, they became events. Carson was Mr. Magic. He always made me feel that my talent was something special. To receive an award bearing Johnny's name means everything to me as he will go down in history as the greatest in his field."

The "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence," the first and only award sanctioned by the Carson family, was presented during the taping of the second annual "The Comedy Awards" at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, April 28.

As the host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" for nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson became a beloved comedic icon and a welcome guest in the homes of Americans across the country. His legendary career earned him the title "The King of Late Night," propelling him to become one of the biggest names not only in comedy but in all of entertainment. With such a respected position in the industry, the "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence" is an honor bestowed upon those that exemplify Carson's generous, pioneering spirit and love of laughter.

It is befitting that Rickles will receive this special award, in its sophomore year, as one of Carson's oldest friends. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of his breakthrough, Rickles believes the ball really started rolling on the night of October 7, 1965, during his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." His freewheeling performance that night became the talk of the show business industry and caused nationwide comment among the press and public.

Regarded as one of the world's top entertainers, Rickles has appeared in top showrooms and concert halls across the U.S. and internationally. He began his career in the early 1950s and quickly became known as an "insult" comedian for the way he would respond to hecklers in the audience and his undiscriminating way of making fun of people from all walks of life, leading to the monikers "The Merchant of Venom" and "Mr. Warmth" (coined affectionately by Johnny Carson). With support from fan and friend Frank Sinatra, Rickles became a popular performer in Las Vegas, where he first started in 1959 and has been a headliner ever since.