Entertainer, Director. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, he is best known as half of the team "Rowan & Martin," the long-time comedy act formed with his partner, Dan Rowan, in the 1950s. He was originally a writer for a radio sit-com "Duffy's Tavern" before teaming with Rowan. The two played nightclubs and Las Vegas which resulted in his 1962 role on "The Lucy Show" as Lucille Ball's neighbor "Harry Conners" and for the 1963 to 1964 season. In the 1960s Rowan & Martin's frequent appearances on various television shows lead to them co-hosting the "The Dean Martin Summer Show" in 1966 on NBC and the following year they very successfully co-hosted a one-time special, "Laugh-In", that evolved into their signature program "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" in 1968 for a five-year run; it became an integral part of American pop culture. Later, he became a frequent panelist on game shows and briefly hosted the "Mindreaders." Finally, he entered a new career as a television director with "Newhart" in 1982. He died in Santa Monica, California of respiratory complications.
Entertainer, Director. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, he is best known as half of the team "Rowan & Martin," the long-time comedy act formed with his partner, Dan Rowan, in the 1950s. He was originally a writer for a radio sit-com "Duffy's Tavern" before teaming with Rowan. The two played nightclubs and Las Vegas which resulted in his 1962 role on "The Lucy Show" as Lucille Ball's neighbor "Harry Conners" and for the 1963 to 1964 season. In the 1960s Rowan & Martin's frequent appearances on various television shows lead to them co-hosting the "The Dean Martin Summer Show" in 1966 on NBC and the following year they very successfully co-hosted a one-time special, "Laugh-In", that evolved into their signature program "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" in 1968 for a five-year run; it became an integral part of American pop culture. Later, he became a frequent panelist on game shows and briefly hosted the "Mindreaders." Finally, he entered a new career as a television director with "Newhart" in 1982. He died in Santa Monica, California of respiratory complications.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
