Jimmy Kimmel has paid tribute to the late Don Rickles

Speaking on his show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on Thursday evening (06.04.17), he said: "We lost someone that we and I love very much today ... Don Rickles passed away this morning. He was 90 years old. And I know it sounds crazy to say that he was too young - but he was because he was youthful -- he was so funny and sharp and generous and I was fortunate enough to -- not only have Don on this show as my guest - but also to become close to him and his wife Barbara - which was a lot of fun for me."

The dark-hard funny man idolised the 'Casino' star when he was a child, and loved watching the comic mock iconic actors and singers, including the late Frank Sinatra.

Jimmy continued: "I grew up in Las Vegas - so Don Rickles - even when I was a kid - was a very big deal. His name was on the marquee at the Sahara. Then you'd see him with Johnny Carson. Making fun of Johnny - making fun of [Frank] Sinatra."

And Jimmy feels "lucky" he had the chance to meet the star and has credited him as the "greatest talk show guest".

He said: "Sitting behind a desk while Don Rickles made fun of me. It was like being a real talk show host for a minute. "He was a funny guy, I know that's not a news flash.

"I was lucky to know him.

"He was probably the greatest talk show guest of all time."

And the Brooklyn-born writer and producer has shared his "love and condolences" to Don's grieving family and friends.

He said: "My love and condolences to Don's wife Barbara, his daughter Mindy - his stepdaughters - Bob Saget and John Stamos His main man Tony O - Paul Shefrin - There will never be another Don Rickles."