AARP Eye Center
Gary Owens: The Voice of ‘Laugh-In’ Signs Off
By Bill Newcott, February 13, 2015 05:31 PM
When longtime Laugh-In announcer Gary Owens died Feb. 13, one of the great voices of the past century was stilled.
I was lucky enough to interview Gary in September 2009 about a new documentary featuring his friend Jonathan Winters. Instantly recognizable from his first “hello,” Gary took me on a roller coaster ride of rapid-fire anecdotes, drawing on his 60-some-odd years in show business. From hosting The Gong Show to buying a Quincy Jones album for 11-year-old Michael Jackson, it’s clear that Gary led a life and a half in his 80 years.
>> Get discounts on health services with your AARP Member Advantages.
Here’s an edited version of that telephone chat. We eventually did get around to talking about Jonathan Winters, but that’s another story....
Photo: NBC/Family of Gary Owens
A lso of Interest
- Charlie Sifford, the Jackie Robinson of Golf, Dies at Age 92
- Ageless Celebrities in Their Sixties
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Get free help preparing and filing your taxes
- Join AARP: savings, resources and news for your well-being
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more.