Dan Rowan
Daniel Hale (Dan) Rowan (July 22, 1922 – September 22,
1987) was an American comedian. He was featured in the television show Laugh-In,
where he played straight man to Dick Martin. He died from lymphatic cancer in Englewood, Florida.
Born in the small town of Beggs, Oklahoma, Rowan toured with his parents in a
carnival in a singing and dancing act. He was orphaned at age 11 and adopted in
Denver, Colorado.
After graduating from high school, he moved to Los Angeles, California and found
a job as a writer at Paramount Studios. During World War II, Rowan served as a
pilot in the Army Air Corps. He was shot down over New Guinea. His military
awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf
Cluster, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart.
After
his discharge, he returned to California where he teamed with Dick Martin and
started a comedy night-club act. The team had appeared on television before, but
it was not until the success of a summer special in 1967, that they found fame
on Laugh-In.
Hosted "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" from 1968-1973 with Dick Martin, and
executive produced during the 1972-1973 season.
He married Phyllis Mathis in 1946 and had three children: Thomas, Mary Ann, and
Christie. In 1963 Rowan married again. His second wife was Adriana Van
Ballegooygn. His daughter Mary was briefly married to Peter Lawford.
Rowan retired to Florida. He died of lymphatic cancer in Manasota Key, Florida
on September 22, 1987.
In 1981, a book of letters written between himself and author John D. MacDonald
was published entitled A Friendship: The Letters of Dan Rowan and John D.
MacDonald, 1967-1974.
Mr. Rowan made many classic guest appearances, including the following:
The Love Boat, episode - Command Performance/Hyde and Seek/Sketchy
Love.
Fantasy Island, episode - Big Dipper/The Pirate.
The Love Boat, episode - Hollywood Royalty/The Caper/The Eyes of
Love/Masquerade (parts 1 and 2).
Other Work Includes:
NBC 60th Anniversary Celebration as Himself.
"All American Ultra Quiz" as Host.
The Maltese Bippy as Sam Smith.
"Dean Martin Summer Show, The" as Host.