Daniel Hale Rowan
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Daniel Hale Rowan (Dan) (July 22, 1922 - September 22, 1987) was an American comedian. He was featured in the television show Laugh-In, where he played straight man to Dick Martin.
Born in the small town of Beggs, Oklahoma, Rowan toured with his parents in a carnival in a singing and dancing act. He was orphaned at age 11 and adopted in Denver, Colorado.
After graduating from high school, he moved to Los Angeles, California and found a job as a writer at Paramount Studios. During World War II, Rowan served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He was shot down over New Guinea. His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart.
After his discharge, he returned to California where he teamed with Dick Martin and started a comedy night-club act. The team had appeared on television before, but it was not until the success of a summer special in 1967, that they found fame on Laugh-In.
He married Phyllis Mathis in 1946 and had three children: Thomas, Mary Ann, and Christie. In 1963 Rowan married again. His second wife was Adriana Van Ballegooygn. His daughter Mary was briefly married to Peter Lawford.
Rowan retired to Florida. He died of lymphatic cancer in Manasota Key, Florida on September 22, 1987.
In 1981, a book of letters written between himself and author John D. MacDonald was published entitled A Friendship: The Letters of Dan Rowan and John D. MacDonald, 1967-1974.
References
Obituary Los Angeles Times September 23, 1987.
Who's Who in America 1970-71 Chicago: Marquis Who's Who