Dick Martin
The straight-man co-host of 'Laugh-In' whose trademark 'Sock it to me?' became a national catchphrase and helped define TV comedy's rapid-fire era.
1922–2008 (age 86)·American comedian·Birthday: January 30·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dick Martin was half of the comedy duo Rowan and Martin, but for millions, he was the bemused, mustachioed foil on the revolutionary show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.' Starting in nightclubs, his partnership with Dan Rowan evolved into a television phenomenon that captured the chaotic spirit of the late 1960s. As co-host, Martin played the grinning, slightly confused counterpart to Rowan's sophisticated straight man, delivering the show's infamous 'Sock it to me?' line with perfect comedic timing. 'Laugh-In,' with its quick cuts, joke wall, and political satire, reshaped television comedy, and Martin's persona was at its warm, accessible center. After the show ended, he successfully moved into directing television sitcoms, proving his understanding of comedy extended far beyond the punchline.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Dick was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Dick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2008Died at 86
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Key Achievements
- Co-created and co-hosted 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,' a groundbreaking sketch comedy show that dominated late-1960s American television.
- Popularized the catchphrase 'Sock it to me?' which entered the national lexicon.
- Directed numerous episodes of popular television series like 'The Bob Newhart Show' and 'Family Ties' after his on-screen fame.
- The success of 'Laugh-In' won the show several Emmy Awards and defined a new, fast-paced style of TV comedy.
Did You Know?
He was a talented amateur golfer and often participated in celebrity tournaments.
Before comedy, Martin worked as a nightclub drummer and a taxi driver.
He and Dan Rowan were among the first to use a then-new technology, the videotape editor, to create 'Laugh-In's rapid-fire style.
Martin was a heavy smoker for most of his life.
“The secret to good comedy is to let the audience in on the joke, not to tell it to them.”
