Dan Rowan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dan Rowan |
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| Birth name | Daniel Hale David |
| Born | July 22, 1922 Beggs, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | September 22, 1987 (aged 65) Englewood, Florida, U.S. |
| Medium | Television, film |
| Years active | 1952-1982 |
| Spouse | Phyllis J. Mathis (m. 1946-19??; divorced) Adriana Van Ballegooyen (1963-1971; divorced) Joanna Young (1974-1987; his death) |
| Children | 3 |
Daniel Hale Rowan (born July 22, 1922 – died September 22, 1987) was a famous American comedian. He was best known for starring in the popular TV show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. On the show, he was the serious "straight man" to his funny partner, Dick Martin. Together, they made millions laugh. In 1969, their show won an Emmy Award for being the best variety or musical series.
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Early Life and Start in Comedy
Dan Rowan was born on July 22, 1922. His birth happened on a carnival train near Beggs, Oklahoma. His birth name was Daniel Hale David. His parents, Oscar and Nellie David, were performers. They had a singing and dancing act with the carnival.
When he was 11, Dan became an orphan. He spent four years at a children's home in Pueblo, Colorado. At 16, a foster family took him in. He then went to Central High School. After graduating in 1940, he hitchhiked to Los Angeles, California. He found a job in the mailroom at Paramount Pictures. He quickly impressed the studio head, Buddy DeSylva. A year later, he became Paramount's youngest writer.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Dan Rowan became a brave fighter pilot. He flew for the United States Army Air Forces. He was part of the 8th Fighter Squadron. He flew a Curtiss P-40N Warhawk plane. He shot down two Japanese aircraft. Later, his plane was shot down over New Guinea. He was seriously hurt. For his bravery, he received several awards. These included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
Becoming a Comedy Star
After the war, Rowan returned to California. He met Dick Martin. They decided to form a comedy team. They started performing in nightclubs. They had appeared on TV before. But they became truly famous in 1967. This was after a special summer TV show. It led to their hit series, Laugh-In.
Dan Rowan also appeared with Dick Martin on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast. These were special TV shows where famous people were humorously teased. Rowan also acted in a 1977 episode of The Love Boat. He played a character named Alan Danver.
Dan Rowan's Family Life
In 1946, Dan Rowan married Phyllis J. Mathis. She was a runner-up in the 1945 Miss America contest. They had three children: Thomas Patrick, Mary Ann, and Christie Esther. They later divorced. In 1963, Dan married Adriana Van Ballegooyen. She was a model from Australia. They were married for eight years. In 1974, he married Joanna Young. She was also a model and TV spokeswoman. They stayed married until his death.
Later Years and Legacy
Dan Rowan stopped working in the early 1980s. He spent his later years in Florida. He also enjoyed time on his boat in France. He did reunite with Dick Martin for a few TV appearances in 1986.
Dan Rowan passed away in 1987 in Englewood, Florida. He was 65 years old.
In 1986, a book of letters was published. It was called A Friendship. The book contained letters between Dan Rowan and author John D. MacDonald.
Dan Rowan's life was even featured in a movie. He was played by Jonathan Whittaker. This was in the 1995 HBO movie Sugartime.
