Dick Martin of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” has died
Posted on May 25th, 2008 by Hot Momma
Dan Rowan - Dick Martin
Dick Martin, the zany half of the comedy team whose “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” has passed away at the age of 86. The comedian died of severe respiratory problems that he had for many years. Martin had lost the use of one of his lungs as a teenager, and needed supplemental oxygen for most of the day in his later years. He was surrounded by family and friends when he died.
Rowan and Martin took television by storm in the 1960s, making stars of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin and creating such national catch-phrases as “Sock it to me!”. Rowan provided the voice of reason, striving to correct his partner’s absurdities. Martin, meanwhile, was full of bogus, often risque theories about life, which he appeared to hold with unwavering certainty.
“Laugh-in,” which debuted in January 1968, was unlike any comedy-variety show before it, offered up a steady, almost stream-of-consciousness run of non-sequitur jokes, political satire and madhouse antics from a cast of talented young actors and comedians that also included Ruth Buzzi, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, Jo Anne Worley and announcer Gary Owens.
Presiding over it all were Rowan and Martin, the veteran nightclub comics whose standup banter put their own distinct spin on the show. “Laugh-In” astounded audiences and critics alike. For two years the show topped the Nielsen ratings, and its catchphrases: “Sock it to me,” “You bet your sweet bippy” and “Look that up in your Funk and Wagnall’s” — were recited across the country.
Martin, went on to become one of television’s busiest directors after splitting with Dan Rowan in the late 1970s.
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