RIP: ‘Laugh-In’ Comedy Veteran Dick Martin

Dick Martin, one-half of the duo that brought Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In to television viewers from 1968 to 1973, passed away of respiratory complications in Santa Monica, California, on Saturday. He was 86.

Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, which Martin co-hosted with fellow nightclub comedian Dan Rowan, got its start as an NBC special that aired in September 1967. Intended as a one-time television event, the special was developed into a series after it delivered impressive ratings.

Laugh-In immediately set itself apart from other comedy and variety TV shows that preceded it. Instead of using scripted material to set up humorous situations, episodes incorporated an onslaught of various comedic styles, such as sketches and one-liners, delivered in a quick succession and with frequent sexual or political overtones. And, of course, there were the many cast members who later went on to achieve independent success as entertainers: Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Ruth Buzzi, Jo Anne Worley, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, and others.

After Laugh-In ended, Martin began a new career directing television series, including The Bob Newhart Show and Sledge Hammer!. Reports state that he was surrounded by family and friends at his death shortly after 6pm, and he’s survived by his wife Dolly Read, the first British Playboy Playmate, whom Martin married twice, and two sons, Richard Martin and Cary Martin.