Dick Martin
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Born Name:
Thomas Richard Martin
Born Date: January 30, 1922
Born Place: Battle Creek, Michigan
Died Date: May 24, 2008
Died Place: Santa Monica, California
Occupations: Comedian, director
Brief Biography: Dick Martin was widely remembered as the co-host and comic foil to Dan Rowan on the groundbreaking sketch show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.
Early Life & Comedy Duo:
Born Thomas Richard Martin in Battle Creek, Michigan, Martin began his career as a writer for the Duffy's Tavern radio show. In 1952, he teamed up with car salesman Dan Rowan. Over the next 15 years, the duo perfected a highly successful nightclub and Las Vegas act. In their routine, Rowan played the slick, exasperated "straight man," while Martin adopted the persona of a lovable, oblivious, and flirtatious playboy.
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In:
After hosting a successful summer replacement series for The Dean Martin Show in 1966, NBC launched Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1968. The show revolutionized television comedy with its rapid-fire pacing, topical satire, and risqué double entendres. It became a massive cultural phenomenon, spawning iconic catchphrases such as Martin’s signature sign-off, "You bet your sweet bippy," and the running gag where Rowan would tell him, "Say good night, Dick," followed by Martin replying, "Good night, Dick!". The show remained the number-one program in America for its second and third seasons before ending its run in 1973.
Directing Career & Later Years:
Following Laugh-In, Martin transitioned into a highly successful career as a television director. He directed episodes for popular series like The Bob Newhart Show, Archie Bunker's Place, and Family Ties.
Born Date: January 30, 1922
Born Place: Battle Creek, Michigan
Died Date: May 24, 2008
Died Place: Santa Monica, California
Occupations: Comedian, director
Brief Biography: Dick Martin was widely remembered as the co-host and comic foil to Dan Rowan on the groundbreaking sketch show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.
Early Life & Comedy Duo:
Born Thomas Richard Martin in Battle Creek, Michigan, Martin began his career as a writer for the Duffy's Tavern radio show. In 1952, he teamed up with car salesman Dan Rowan. Over the next 15 years, the duo perfected a highly successful nightclub and Las Vegas act. In their routine, Rowan played the slick, exasperated "straight man," while Martin adopted the persona of a lovable, oblivious, and flirtatious playboy.
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In:
After hosting a successful summer replacement series for The Dean Martin Show in 1966, NBC launched Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1968. The show revolutionized television comedy with its rapid-fire pacing, topical satire, and risqué double entendres. It became a massive cultural phenomenon, spawning iconic catchphrases such as Martin’s signature sign-off, "You bet your sweet bippy," and the running gag where Rowan would tell him, "Say good night, Dick," followed by Martin replying, "Good night, Dick!". The show remained the number-one program in America for its second and third seasons before ending its run in 1973.
Directing Career & Later Years:
Following Laugh-In, Martin transitioned into a highly successful career as a television director. He directed episodes for popular series like The Bob Newhart Show, Archie Bunker's Place, and Family Ties.