Laugh-In Creator Dick Martin Dead at 86

Zany funnyman socked it to US audiences, topped ratings for years

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted May 25, 2008 11:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – The final judge has come for Dick Martin, co-founder of the groundbreaking comedy show Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and later a prolific director, the AP reports. Martin, the wacky counterpoint to partner Dan Rowan's straight man, died last night at age 86 of respiratory problems. Laugh-In, which began in 1968, launched the careers of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin and changed television comedy.

Propelling such catchphrases as "sock it to me" and "you bet your sweet bippy" into the collective consciousness, Laugh-In dominated the airwaves for several seasons. Martin toured with Rowan and appeared on game shows before finding his second calling as an acclaimed TV director, helming episodes of Newhart, Archie Bunker's Place, and Family Ties, among others.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

This 1969 file photo shows comedians Dan Rowan, left, and Dick Martin, hosts of "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" performing their fickle finger of fate award portion of the program. (AP Photo)

In this May 20, 1977 file photo, Dick Martin, right, explains to Bob Newhart a scene Martin will direct in an episode of the series. Martin died last night at age 86. (AP Photo)

In this April 2, 2002 file photo, comedian Dick Martin laughs during a ceremony honoring him and his late comic partner Dan Rowan with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

This Oct. 1968 file photo shows comedians Dan Rowan, left, and Dick Martin flanking then Republican presidential candidate Richard Nixon during a rally at Burbank Calif. (AP Photo)

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Some of the wacky moments from the end of Laugh-in, feagturing the trap-door wall which everything and anything happened. (ruedydude)

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Laugh-In Creator Dick Martin Dead at 86