AS THE STORY goes, Dan Rowan and the lovely Dick Martin knew each other in Las Vegas. At the time, Rowan was a Car Salesman and Martin a Bartender (or was it visa versa?) Well, whatever the pair got their way and after some years of paying dues, they were an overnight success.
MANY FOLKS REMEMBER the team only from R & M's LAUGH-IN; which represented the pinnacle of their careers. Its quick editing, non sequitor sketches, real in hip talk, music, dancing girls and catch phrase of "Sock it to me!", all added up to what was the most influential TV comedy of its day (and arguably, any day).
THE SHOW WAS encrusted with many future show biz gems; many of whom were destined for much bigger things, Stardom even! Consider the following roster: Ruth Buzzi, Gary Owens (Announcer), Alan Sues, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, Lily Tomlin, Richard Dawson, Joanne Worley, Goldie Hawn, Johnny Brown, Dave Madden, Judy Carne, Larry Hovis, Chelsea Brown, Willie Tyler and many others.
IN ADDITION TO this great rep-oratory company, LAUGH IN's popularity made it a highly sought after gig or guest appearances. Their list of luminaries making spot appearances include: Peter Lawford, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Johnny Carson, Jack Benny, Flip Wilson, Henny Youngman, Greer Garson (!!), Marcel Marceau and many others. LAUGH IN was responsible for Tiny Tim's sudden popularity. Even Richard Nixon made a cameo with his famous recital of "Sock it to ME?"
DURING IT SEVEN year run, LAUGH IN always garnered a Lion's share of the ratings; which pleased its network, NBC, very much. It was the one show that inspired the most 'around the old water cooler' conversation.
ROWAN & MARTIN"S LAUGH IN made about as big a splash on the entertainment as any other show. Only THE SMUTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR compared to its phenomenon. But, LAUGH IN did it without making the waves of controversy. .
MANY FOLKS REMEMBER the team only from R & M's LAUGH-IN; which represented the pinnacle of their careers. Its quick editing, non sequitor sketches, real in hip talk, music, dancing girls and catch phrase of "Sock it to me!", all added up to what was the most influential TV comedy of its day (and arguably, any day).
THE SHOW WAS encrusted with many future show biz gems; many of whom were destined for much bigger things, Stardom even! Consider the following roster: Ruth Buzzi, Gary Owens (Announcer), Alan Sues, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, Lily Tomlin, Richard Dawson, Joanne Worley, Goldie Hawn, Johnny Brown, Dave Madden, Judy Carne, Larry Hovis, Chelsea Brown, Willie Tyler and many others.
IN ADDITION TO this great rep-oratory company, LAUGH IN's popularity made it a highly sought after gig or guest appearances. Their list of luminaries making spot appearances include: Peter Lawford, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Johnny Carson, Jack Benny, Flip Wilson, Henny Youngman, Greer Garson (!!), Marcel Marceau and many others. LAUGH IN was responsible for Tiny Tim's sudden popularity. Even Richard Nixon made a cameo with his famous recital of "Sock it to ME?"
DURING IT SEVEN year run, LAUGH IN always garnered a Lion's share of the ratings; which pleased its network, NBC, very much. It was the one show that inspired the most 'around the old water cooler' conversation.
ROWAN & MARTIN"S LAUGH IN made about as big a splash on the entertainment as any other show. Only THE SMUTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR compared to its phenomenon. But, LAUGH IN did it without making the waves of controversy. .