Post #382592 by The Gnomon on Tue, May 27, 2008 6:53 AM

On 2008-05-25 10:39, VampiressRN wrote:
"He had had some pretty severe respiratory problems for many years, and he had pretty much stopped breathing a week ago," Greenberg said. Martin was surrounded by family and friends when he died just after 6 p.m., Greenberg said.

"Laugh-in," which debuted in January 1968, was unlike any comedy-variety show before it. Rather than relying on a series of tightly scripted song-and-dance segments, it offered up a steady, almost stream-of-consciousness run of non-sequitur jokes, political satire and madhouse antics from a cast of talented young actors and comedians that also included Ruth Buzzi, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, Jo Anne Worley and announcer Gary Owens.

They neglected to mention Goldie Hawn, who was their resident airhead. They also featured lots of cameo appearances such as Sammy Davis Jr, who showed up from time to time as a courtroom judge. He'd always sing, "Here come da judge, here come da judge..."

Even back then you has to realize that it would be amazing if Rowan and Martin would survive beyond their 70s. Dan Rowan pretty much chain smoked throughout each show. Even if he hadn't been a smoker, the second-hand smoke from hanging with Dan should have given Dick respiratory problems.

We're lucky to have experienced their art. Their Laugh-In creation has had a strong influence in comedic delivery through entertainment media since then. It would be great for someone to start a new Laugh-In.

[ Edited by: The Gnomon 2008-05-27 06:53 ]