Jimmy Kimmel pays tearful tribute to Don Rickles

LOS ANGELES, California (KTRK) -- While many celebrities expressed sorrow at news of comedian Don Rickles' death, there was no question how Jimmy Kimmel felt as he launched into his late night ABC show on Thursday.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live" aired a 3-minute tribute to Rickles, who died of kidney failure at his Los Angeles home. The comedian was 90 years old.

Don Rickles, king of insult comedy, dead at 90

Paul Shefrin, his longtime publicist and friend, said Rickles died Thursday of kidney failure at his Los Angeles home. He would have turned 91 on May 8.

At times, Kimmel laughed at the memory of Rickles on the show, at other times he wept.

It was abundantly clear to people on social media that this was an extremely difficult moment for Kimmel, who expressed love and admiration for the comedic legend on Thursday night's show.

"There will never be another Don Rickles, he's probably the greatest talk show guest of all time," Kimmel said, fighting back tears.

Celebrities react to Don Rickles' death

Legendary comedian Don Rickles has died at the age of 90.

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In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.

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