Dick Martin

Performer/ Director

"I became a bartender because it was the only way I could have my days free to try to get an agent or do anything in show business. I tended bar for a good ten years. That's where I met Dan Rowan. I was a bartender and he was a used car salesman. An unlikely pair to follow the footsteps of Martin and Lewis."

About This Interview

Dick Martin (1922-2008) was interviewed for three-and-a-half hours in Malibu, CA. Mr. Martin spoke about his lifelong ambition to work in the entertainment industry, and his early career steps in Hollywood. He described his first encounter with Dan Rowan, and their subsequent partnership. He remembered with great detail their years on the road working in nightclubs around the country, and their early forays into television. Next, he spoke about working with Lucille Ball as an occasional performer on her CBS series The Lucy Show. Mr. Martin spoke at length about their renowned variety series Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, and talked about working with his well-known co-stars. Finally, he discussed his second career as a director for television, on programs including The Bob Newhart Show, Flo, Family Ties, Mama’s Family, The Bradys, and Newhart. The interview was conducted by Karen Herman on September 25, 2002.

Chapters

Shows

People

Topics

Television Industry > Censorship / Standards & Practices
- Dick Martin on dealing with the censors on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
  Clip begins at: 20:14, Duration: 04m 38s

Genres

Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
- Dick Martin on the writing, title, and era of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
  Clip begins at: 24:52, Duration: 03m 27s

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