Comedian Dick Martin Dies at 86

I was saddened to learn today of the passing of legendary TV comedian Dick Martin, who passed away due to respiratory problems at the age of 86. He will forever be remembered in teaming up with Dan Rowan to form "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In," which was a classic comedy hour that was filled with all kinds of sketch comedy, one-liners and political and risque humor, and made stars of people like Goldie Hawn, Ruth Buzzi, Henry Gibson, Arte Johnson and Joanne Worley.

The show ran from January 1968 until it was canceled in May 1973. I was a faithful viewer of the show even in my youth (I was a hip kid), as my TV was always on NBC every Monday night at 8 PM. In their openers, Rowan played the exasperated "straight man" to Martin's "dumb guy," and it made some classic humor.

My favorite Dick Martin character was "Ferd Berfel," the neighbor in a recurring sketch, "The Farkel Family." Every show would end with Rowan saying "Say good night, Dick," to which Martin would always say, "Good night Dick."

Here is a YouTube clip of one of Rowan and Martin classic openers:



Here is more about "Laugh-In" from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugh-In

It's too bad the "Laugh-In" repeats are nowhere to be found on TV, because I'm sure future generations would enjoy it (even some of the "dated" stuff, like about the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon). I would certainly want to relive my youth and check out some of the old shows.

Anyway, I'm sorry to hear that Dick Martin is no longer with us. All I can say is "Good night Dick," and thanks for the memories, Mr. Martin.