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BORN
1936
DIED
2015
Gary Owens Obituary
The veteran voice-over star died Thursday at his Los Angeles-area home, his son, producer Scott Owens, said Friday. Gary Owens had struggled with complications from diabetes, which he had since childhood, family spokeswoman Vicki Greenleaf said Friday.
Owens hosted thousands of radio programs in his long career, appeared in more than a dozen movies and on scores of TV shows, including Lucille Ball and Bob Hope specials. He also voiced hundreds of animated characters, was part of dozens of comedy albums and wrote books.
On "Laugh-In," the 1968-73 sketch show starring Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, Owens was shown on camera in a parody of an old-school announcer, with his hand cupped firmly over his ear. But his voice was always the real thing, rich and authoritative.
Owens had "such a great voice, so smooth. That was his real voice, even if he was ordering in a restaurant," said Tom Kenny, the "SpongeBob SquarePants" voice actor who worked with Owens on cartoons including "Dexter's Laboratory."
"Laugh-In" creator and producer George Schlatter, who knew Owens but said he hired him for the show after hearing his voice boom through a restaurant restroom, called him a "lovely, lovely man."
"He had a whimsical, fey sense of humor and he brought a lot to 'Laugh-In' in the way of thoughts, words and jokes," Schlatter said.
Given Owens' jam-packed resume, was he a workaholic?
"Gary did not work. Gary played," Schlatter said. "He was a very charming, creative, witty guy who had a good time."
Owens, a native of Plankinton, South Dakota, was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C., in 1995 and into the National Television Hall of Fame in 2001.
In his early career, Owens hopscotched from radio jobs in states including South Dakota and Colorado. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1961.
He was heard on a variety of Los Angeles radio stations including KMPC, KFI and KIIS FM, and hosted a national show on The Music of Your Life Network. He was part of Armed Forces Radio for 10 years and host of the syndicated "Soundtrack of the 60s."
The catchphrase "beautiful downtown Burbank," employed by Owens on his KMPC show, became a favorite of Johnny Carson on NBC's "Tonight Show."
Owens' animation voice-over credits include "Space Ghost," "Blue Falcon," "Garfield and Friends" and "The Ren & Stimpy Show."
"National Lampoon's European Vacation," "The Green Hornet" and "Neil Simon's Prisoner of Second Avenue" were among his film credits.
Besides son Scott, Owens is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arleta, and their other son, Chris, a musician and producer. A memorial service was pending, the family said.
___
LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
77 Entries
Cokie
September 23, 2024
GO: He was The Original voice for Inspector Gadget series or Lt. Dirk Niblick for Square One Television
Richard Salerno
November 28, 2018
Rest in peace Gary. You're fondly remembered and have been an inspiration to me since I was 9 years old. God almighty bless you and thank you for the air and laughter.
Joseph Cormier
March 25, 2015
R.I.P. my friend, thx for all the humor and friendship you brought to all! Your greatest asset was how you treated all with equal kindness, and oh how you will be missed!
How you can show support
Dan Mingori
March 24, 2015
Thanks Gary for a great ride, and most especially your much appreciated work over Armed Forces Radio. Our brief meeting in L.A. was all I hoped it would be; it was "downright insegrevious."
T T
February 26, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of such a phenomenal man. He sounds like a remarkable talent that gives evidence of a time gone to soon. My prayers are with his family.
Brenda
February 25, 2015
Job well done, Gary Owens! Your mission has been accomplished. You made us laugh and made us forget about the troubles of the day. My deepest sympathy to the Owens family. May you find comfort in cherished memories and the many promises in God's word.
elliott alper
February 20, 2015
Gary was the best funny dj i ever heard my brother and i heard him a lot on KMPC 710am for many years his jokes were great and he will be missed, There is no other DJ like gary, RIP.
February 20, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Clifford Billingsgate
February 19, 2015
Nurny, nurny, nurny
signed Hootie Sappersootie
Nancy Haver
February 19, 2015
Oh my heart is so sad. In 1980 and '81, I was Gary's producer at KMPC. It was his first experience dropping music for an all-talk afternoon drive program. We'd have special guests (Steve Allen was our guest the day after John Lennon was killed), play some comedy cuts and Gary would, well, just be Gary. He received his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame while I worked for him, and I led the parade down Hollywood Boulevard wearing a chicken suit, followed by the cast of WKRP in Cincinnati and loyal fans playing kazoos. He was a delight, quiet, protective of his show and amazingly talented. He was kind and supportive of me and my radio and voiceover work and was a good man. Blessings and best foons to you, GO, and rest in peace, or peas, as he would have said.
Jean Liston/Johnson
February 18, 2015
Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers and thanking God for giving us Gary to make our lives a bit brighter, just like this candle
B Lucas
February 16, 2015
ALL hearts God is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning. (1Chronicles 28:9) Those inspired words were meant to fill us with appreciation for the depth of God's interest in us. God looks for the good in our hearts even though we are far from perfect. This is clearly evident in his words regarding Abijah, found at 1King 14:13. My sincere condolence for your loss.
Saj
February 16, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
February 15, 2015
Gary Owens,
Thank you for your time and giving of your talented voice and wit.
Television and radio will never be the same.
You have earned your rest.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
February 15, 2015
I can hear his rich deep voice now from the Laugh-in show. My condolences to the family.
Kimtraila Williams
February 15, 2015
5:15PM
2/15/2015
Gary Owens Family,
I just wanted to dropped you off a note to say how sorry that I am for your loss of your family. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my/our sincere condolences. Let the President Barack Obama know that through his email, fax, letter, phone, visit that Kimtraila has said her last respect to your love one.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams
Robert ("Bob") Taylor
February 15, 2015
To the Altman's - Thanks for sharing your husband and father with us over the years. Scott my sincerest condolences to you and yours, it's been years since our school days at Nestle and Portola but I have thought of you and your family often. Please gather strength from the wonderful years of cherished memories you had with your dad.
Roger Eaton
February 15, 2015
I spent many hours listening to Gary on KMPC in the early 60's listening very carefully because EVERY thing he said was funny! Like "Over most of this same station"! I didn't listen for the music he played but for him between records. Now I find we got to SoCal the same year.
Jack Volkis
February 15, 2015
He was a very talented man and I remember him on Laugh In vividly. Very sorry for him and the family.
Delbert "Dellie Goose" Hutchinson
February 15, 2015
I Liked Gary Owens On Laugh-In On TV. Many Years Ago. I Seen Him On Kids World. He Did Voice Of Space Ghost. I Seen Him On Antenna TV Back In 2011.
Victoria&Andrew VZj
February 15, 2015
Our serene condolences
for all of Gary Owens Family..
Oh the Joy of all those Wonderful
comedy of cast upon a sharp edge written
classics thru more of Rowan&Martin
As from all the action dimple cheerful
love of our youth of times
-LAUGH IN- was one of the best to view :)
with oh so many more in this
movie an cast of treasure film family-comedy
`rip GARY on the other side of another spiritual Light~
larry james
February 15, 2015
'just a real nice funny man.nice and funny.' great combination in his business and he did it so well.Thanks Gary.
Larry James/cape cod
Jean R. Johnson
February 15, 2015
Farewell to my old and dear friend from childhood. We lived on the same street in our small town and played neighborhood games together with the "gang" of kids within our block. Such a talented and gifted man. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Arleta...I have never forgotten you and Gary. Sending love and hugs...Jean Liston Johnson
February 15, 2015
May the all wise and knowing Father of true peace and tender mercy grant your family a calm and firm heart.
Baltimore
P. Hyatte
February 15, 2015
Laugh-In entertained me much when I was younger, it brought me so many laughs. To this day I still try to imitate Edith Ann! Thank You for providing so many memories and now may you eternally rest in peace.
Don Williams
February 15, 2015
He was on KEWB in Oakland also..
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 15, 2015
rip
a good friend miss you
February 15, 2015
how sad we enjoyed his work on TV RIP good friend.
Lisa Weiner
February 14, 2015
To Gary Owens,
You were a great announcer for the Laugh-in. You made me laugh. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
February 14, 2015
Dear Family! What a delight your Gary was! My best memories of laugh-in all revolve around his wonderful voice and funny nature. God Bless You All! Be comforted in the Lord!
Denise
February 14, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family.
R.I.P., Mr. Owens
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
February 14, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Donna M.
February 14, 2015
I'm very sorry for the loss of this ever so funny man. How well I remember the laughs he gave me (and everyone) on Laugh-In. Now he can rest.
Bobby Wilcox
February 14, 2015
A true giant in the entertainment business. What a blessing it was to have him in our lives. Cannot give thanks enough for this true gem. Prayers go out to his family.
Renee Nicholson
February 14, 2015
May Gary rest in Jesus, loved him on Laugh-In, blessings and peace to the family
Kenny Adkins
February 14, 2015
We will miss you
old fan
February 14, 2015
Sympathies to his family. A truly talented actor.
Joseph Long
February 14, 2015
God bless you, Gary and family. I can still hear your booming voice! The next time I hear thunder that will be YOU!
Phil. 4:6, 7
February 14, 2015
May the peace of God be with you.
February 14, 2015
My condolences to friends and family
Nick
February 14, 2015
Good-bye Morgul the Friendly Drelb!
Shirley de bose
February 14, 2015
Thanks for real clean and fun and humor we could watch shows that was just so funny without the curse words
Harry Simpson
February 14, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Howie Ginsburg
February 14, 2015
RIP Gary-you were part of my growing up years and you made us all laugh with you and at ourselves.
John Matthius
February 14, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Gary's family. News of his passing is sorrowful news to broadcast fans of all ages. Like millions of others in the audience, I grew up watching "Laugh-In". While Gary's talent reached far beyond a simple pose, his hand cupped over his ear is an indelible symbol in American culture. As a fellow South Dakota native, I was thrilled to later meet and work with him in LA. Gary was a consummate professional, but one of the most personable, upbeat yet humble gentlemen one could ever hope to meet. Rest in peace, kind man. You will be deeply missed.
Robin Poz
February 14, 2015
Our family would gather each week to watch Rowan & Martin's "Laugh-In" and having a family that laughs together is a good family. Thanks Gary, RIP.
Betty
February 14, 2015
May God be with your family.
Jane Dowling
February 14, 2015
I remember you well from "Laugh-In." Fun times... God bless you and your family ~
JW
February 14, 2015
I was so sorry to hear about the death of your dear husband. Whenever I watch Laugh-In, I always look forward to hearing his voice. Now your cherish memories of him and the loving support from your family and friends will help you to cope. But most importantly the God of all comfort promises to be close to the brokenhearted and those crush in spirit. So pour out your feelings to the God who promises to comfort your heart.
Cathy Minard
February 14, 2015
Always a joyful entertainer. He was around more than people realize. He will be missed.
S & K Kenepp
February 14, 2015
People who are a natural class act are never forgotten. Thanks for all the great Memories, Gary. You will be missed , but not forgotten. Our Deepest Sympathy to the family.
L.L Ohio
February 14, 2015
So sorry to here about the loss ofGary Owens, I remember Laugh In as a very small child watching it with my parents.
February 14, 2015
February 14, 2015 I watch Laugh in when I was a little girl. That was 50 years ago Gary and his co workers were very funny. I wish they would show it on Me channel. That is a channel for old shows. Gary will be missed God Bless Gary & Evelyn
Mary Smith
February 14, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family. Many will miss your loved one. God cares and will comfort you.
February 14, 2015
Mr.Owens made many people laugh in his life time.May the God of comfort and peace be with his family.
February 14, 2015
Mr. Owens had a very long and impressive career. He will be missed by many long time fans. May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time.
Peggy
February 14, 2015
I was a teen when Laugh-In started on TV, and it was so funny. Thanks, Gary, for all of the laughs. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's family and friends. May he RIP.
ADM
February 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 14, 2015
My deepest condolences are with you at this time of need. Know that god
feels your pain as well. Go to him in prayer and he will comfort you very
much.
Sincerely,
Ms J
Fnork
Rob Constantine
February 14, 2015
Gary was a role model and inspiration to me. I had a nice phone conversation with him several years back..He was Immensely gifted..I'll miss him :-(
February 14, 2015
Please except my deepest condolences for your loss. My parents introduced him to me thru laugh in. To the family may you find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Muffy
February 14, 2015
RIP Mr. Owens. May your afterlife be in a place even more beautiful than "beautiful downtown Burbank."
He was a memorable man and will be missed.
February 13, 2015
gary entertained thousands of troops overseas on armed forces radio during the vietnam war.
condolences to gary's family.
bill alex,brockton,ma
Tim Vaughan
February 13, 2015
Gary - Thanks for the many, many hours you entertained our family on KMPC 710AM, as we drove about the South Bay. Your afternoon drive-time show was THE BEST. You will be missed and unequaled. RIP.
Everette Keeney
February 13, 2015
Sorry to hear about Gary's passing.He brought a lot of laughs and good times into millions of livingrooms.God Bless....
Victoria
February 13, 2015
Deepest Sympathy Joh.5:28
J. Lewis
February 13, 2015
My condolences to the Owens family. May the memories of the times you've shared ease the pain you now feel. And may you find comfort and strength from God during this time of sadness. (Psalms 145:14, 16)
elliott alper
February 13, 2015
I will always remember Gary Owens from his radio days i met him at the 1969 auto show at the old pan pacific auditorium
Maria
February 13, 2015
Rest in Peace, Mr. Owens, you will be missed.
Wright
February 13, 2015
To the family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and fans. Our heartfelt condolences to all, we thank you for sharing him with us.May his voice and fond memories bring a smile to your heart.Draw close to God and he will draw close to you during your grief.
Richard Farkas
February 13, 2015
May you rest in peace. We enjoyed your tv program of laughter.
Art Tidey
February 13, 2015
While driving home from KVEN-AM Ventura one day I heard Gary introduce Peggy Lee's latest song,"Is That All There Is". Unique song, singer, and announcer. He had such talent. He was the best.
February 13, 2015
Gary was a very talented actor who entertained millions. He will always be remembered by his many fans. May his family be surrounded by love at this very sad time. One of his fans
harvey sklar
February 13, 2015
Condolences to the family. He was a class act. Another part of my childhood has gone.
February 13, 2015
Thank for all the laughs! You will be missed.
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