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Dick Martin, the comedian and television director renowned for co-hosting Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967) as the comedic counterpart to straight man Dan Rowan, was born on January 30, 1922, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Early in his career, Martin wrote for the popular radio sitcom "Duffy's Tavern" before partnering with Rowan in the 1950s. The pair found success performing in nightclubs and Las Vegas, which led to Martin securing a recurring role on The Lucy Show (1962) as Lucille Ball’s next-door neighbor, Harry Conners. He remained a regular on the show through the 1963-64 season.
As their popularity grew, Rowan & Martin began appearing on television throughout the 1960s. In 1966, they co-hosted The Dean Martin Summer Show on NBC. The following year, when NBC sought a new variety show with broad appeal, producers Ed Friendly and George Schlatter cast Rowan & Martin as co-hosts for a one-time special, "Laugh-In," which served as a pilot. The special's success led to the debut of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1967, which became a major hit and one of the highest-rated shows of the late 1960s. It had a significant influence on American pop culture during its five-year run before being canceled in 1973.
In 1969, Rowan & Martin attempted to bring the success of "Laugh-In" to the big screen with The Maltese Bippy, but the film was unsuccessful. After their TV show ended, the duo largely went their separate ways professionally, partly because Dan Rowan, who was diabetic, reduced his workload. Like Rowan, Martin became a frequent panelist on game shows such as Match Game (1973). He also hosted the game show Mindreaders in 1979, but it did not gain much traction. Martin later transitioned to a career as a TV director, becoming the chief director of the 1980s sitcom Newhart (1982).
In his personal life, Martin was best known for his two marriages to Playboy Playmate of the Year Dolly Read (1971-75; 1978 to present). His first wife was Peggy Connelly, with whom he had two sons, Richard Martin Jr. and Cary Martin.
