Dick Martin, of Rowman & Martin's 'Laugh In' Dies

For those that recall the zany goings on of the 1960's comedy show, Laugh In, it is with a sad heart to report that the last half of the Comedy Duo, Rowan & Martin, died this weekend in Santa Monica, California.

Martin was 86 years old when he died of respiratory complications, May 24, 2008 in Santa Monica, surrounded by family and friends. Best known for his zany actions on Laugh In, Martin also enjoyed a long and successful career as a Television Director after Laugh In ran its course in 1973. Together with Dan Rowan, Laugh In gave us such notable expression as "Sock it to me," and "The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate Award," "You bet your bippy," "Look that up in your Funk and Wagnails," "Here come de judge!," and "Beautiful Downtown Burbank." Rowan passed away in 1987 of cancer. The program was noted for pushing the envelope in comedy and launching the careers of such notables as Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin. Martin, who championed free speech and satire as staples in American media, has been suffering from respiratory complications for several years. The comedy team kept a country laughing during turbulent times. It can only be hoped they keep others laughing wherever they are headed.