Late night U.S. talk show host Jimmy Kimmel raced back from his recent appendectomy - so he could pay a TV tribute to his hero Don Rickles. Kimmel had his appendix removed last week but was back behind his desk last night for a show dedicated to comedy legend Rickles.

The TV host says, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Rickles is a great man."

Rickles' Jimmy Kimmel Live honor featured a performance from jazz singer Keely Smith and a surprise from another comedy legend, Bob Newhart, who appeared from the audience to continue a long-standing comedic skit between himself and Rickles that began on The Jack Paar Show.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)