Dick Martin (right),
May 24, age 86: Dick Martin was best known for his role on the '60s
smash TV hit "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,"
but in fact, he and sidekick Dan Rowan went back to the early '50s
as a comedy radio duo. Martin also acted on TV, including stints on "The Dean
... more Martin Show," which led to the 1968 debut of "Laugh-In," which changed
prime-time TV forever, with its double entendres, political jabs and psychedelic
nods to pop culture. The ensemble cast, including Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Jo Anne Worley and Arte Johnson, made the whole experience a "happening,"
as was this year's Emmy reunion of surviving cast members, in tribute to the
passing of Rowan and Martin. Will we miss that rapid-fire comic sensation? You
bet your sweet bippy.