Gary Owens

Date of Birth: May 10, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: February 12, 2015

Biography

Gary Owens, born Gary Bernard Altman, was an iconic American radio and television announcer, voice actor, and comedian. Renowned for his distinctive baritone voice and comedic timing, Owens made a significant mark in the entertainment industry over a career spanning several decades. He was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, and began his broadcasting career in the late 1950s. Owens gained national fame as the announcer on the hit television show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” from 1968 to 1973, where his signature hand-to-ear announcing style became a cultural touchstone. He was also well known for his work as a voice actor, lending his voice to characters like Space Ghost in the animated series “Space Ghost” and Blue Falcon in “Dynomutt, Dog Wonder.” Owens continued to work in various capacities in radio, television, and animation until his retirement. His contributions to the field of entertainment were widely recognized, and he remains a beloved figure in the industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Gary Owens

1. Gary Owens was the voice of the “Laugh-In” announcer and coined the famous phrase “Beautiful downtown Burbank.”

2. He began his radio career at the age of 16 in his hometown of Mitchell, South Dakota.

3. Owens had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to radio.

4. He was the voice of Roger Ramjet in the animated series of the same name.

5. Gary Owens wrote several books, including “The (What to Do While You’re Holding the) Phone Book” and “How to Make a Million Dollars with Your Voice (Or Lose Your Tonsils Trying).”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gary Owens

1. “Beautiful downtown Burbank.”

2. “I have always been fascinated by people who are considered completely normal, because I find them the weirdest of all.”

3. “Radio is the theater of the mind; television is the theater of the mindless.”

4. “I’ve been blessed with a voice that seems to fit well with many different characters.”

5. “In this business, you have to be versatile and ready for anything. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Gary Owens’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Gary Owens had two sons, Scott Owens and Chris Owens, both of whom followed in his footsteps into the entertainment business. Scott Owens became a producer and Chris Owens pursued a career in acting.