Dan Rowan

Dan Rowan (July 22, 1922 – September 22, 1987) was an American comedian, best known as one half of the comedy duo Rowan & Martin. Along with Dick Martin, he hosted the groundbreaking and highly popular television show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In from 1968 to 1973.

Rowan was born Daniel Hale Rowan in Beggs, Oklahoma. He worked as a salesman and a car mechanic before becoming a stand-up comedian. He met Dick Martin in 1950 in a Los Angeles nightclub, and they soon formed a comedy partnership. Their act initially involved a fairly standard comedy routine of straight man (Rowan) and comic foil (Martin).

Rowan & Martin toured nightclubs and theaters extensively throughout the 1950s and 1960s. They appeared on numerous television variety shows before being offered their own show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. The show's fast-paced humor, use of catchphrases, and satirical sketches made it a huge success, attracting a large and diverse audience. Rowan typically delivered the opening lines of each show: "Sock it to me?" and "Say goodnight, Dick."

After Laugh-In ended, Rowan continued to work in television, appearing in guest roles and hosting specials. He also pursued other interests, including sailing and writing. He died of lymphoma in 1987.