Dick Martin, a renowned comedian and television director, achieved television immortality as the co-host of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, a popular comedy variety show that aired from 1967 to 1973. Born on January 30, 1922, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Martin began his career as a writer for the popular radio sitcom "Duffy's Tavern" before teaming up with his comedy partner, Dan Rowan, in the 1950s.
The duo achieved success playing the nightclub circuit and Las Vegas, which led to Martin being cast in a recurring role on The Lucy Show, a sitcom starring Lucille Ball, as her next-door neighbor, Harry Conners, from 1962 to 1964. As their act gained popularity, Rowan & Martin began making appearances on television during the 1960s.
In 1966, they were cast as co-hosts for The Dean Martin Summer Show on NBC, and the following year, they were hired to co-host a one-time special, "Laugh-In," which served as a pilot for the potential series. The special was a success, and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In debuted in 1967, becoming a massive hit and one of the top-rated shows of the late 1960s. The series had a significant impact on American pop culture during its five-year run.
In 1969, Rowan & Martin attempted to recapture the small-screen magic of "Laugh-In" on the big screen with The Maltese Bippy, but the film was a flop. After the cancellation of their series, Rowan & Martin generally parted ways professionally, as Dan Rowan limited his work due to health issues. Martin, however, continued to work in television, hosting game shows such as Match Game and serving as the chief director of the 1980s sitcom Newhart.
On the personal front, Martin was married twice to Playboy Playmate of the Year Dolly Read, from 1971 to 1975 and again from 1978 to the present. He was also previously married to Peggy Connelly, with whom he had two sons, Richard Martin, Jr. and Cary Martin.
