Gary Owens, the veteran disc jockey and voice artist who gained fame during his time as the announcer of the 70s hit, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, died on February 12, 2015. The cause of death was given as complications due to Diabetes.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arleta, and sons Scott Owens, a producer, and Chris Dane Owens, a musician and producer.
“From beautiful downtown Burbank,” Gary Owens vaulted to fame playing the zany announcer in the landmark TV comedy series “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” And he never stopped working after that, doing commercials, variety specials, cartoons, radio shows and even theme park announcements in his deep voice that was one of the most famous in show business.
He could have slowed down, but his frantic pace was set early in life. At 9, he was diagnosed with diabetes.
Read the full story: Gary Owens, radio and ‘Laugh-In’ announcer, dies
Owens was extremely prolific throughout his career. He has credits for hundreds of radio broadcasts and appeared in more than a dozen movies. His TV credits are impressive, having appeared with the likes of Lucille Ball and Bob Hope. He voiced hundred of animated characters, appeared on comedy albums and authored books. He was best known for his role as the hand over the ear Laugh-In announcer.
