Gary Owens, American radio host and voice actor (b. 1934)

Gary Owens: The Iconic Voice of Deadpan Wit and Animated Heroes

Gary Owens, born Gary Bernard Altman on May 10, 1934, and passing on February 12, 2015, was a distinguished American figure renowned for his multifaceted career as a radio announcer, engaging personality, disc jockey, and prolific voice actor. His signature was an unmistakable, polished baritone speaking voice, which he masterfully employed to deliver often absurd, "total nonsense" with a perfectly straight face – a style famously showcased during his tenure as the announcer on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

The Distinctive Style of a Comedy Legend

Owens' unique comedic timing and deadpan delivery were central to his appeal. On Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, which aired from 1968 to 1973, his voice became an indispensable part of the show's rapid-fire gags, non-sequiturs, and catchphrases. He would often introduce segments or characters with a serious, almost authoritative tone, only for the content to be utterly nonsensical, creating a hilarious juxtaposition that became a hallmark of the show's innovative humor. His versatility was remarkable; Owens was equally proficient in handling both straightforward, serious assignments and overtly silly roles, making his voice a ubiquitous presence across television, radio, and countless commercials throughout his career.

A Voice Behind Beloved Animated Characters

Beyond his iconic role on Laugh-In, Gary Owens achieved widespread fame and adoration for his extensive work as a voice actor, lending his distinctive vocal talents to several memorable animated characters. He is perhaps best known for bringing to life the titular cosmic superhero in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, Space Ghost, a character that first premiered in 1966. His powerful yet calm delivery perfectly suited the stoic intergalactic crime fighter. Later, he voiced the comically bumbling superhero Blue Falcon, alongside his canine sidekick Dynomutt, in the 1976 Hanna-Barbera production Dynomutt, Dog Wonder. These roles cemented his status as a legendary voice in classic animation.

Interestingly, Owens made a memorable cameo appearance as himself in 1998 on the Adult Swim cult hit, Space Ghost Coast to Coast. This parody talk show, which featured the original Space Ghost character interviewing celebrities, paid homage to Owens by having him appear as a guest, bridging the gap between his classic animated persona and modern comedy.

Early Career and Enduring Legacy

Gary Owens' foray into cartoon voice acting began with the satirical animated series Roger Ramjet, where he performed the voice of the square-jawed, often dim-witted titular superhero. This early role, known for its limited animation and sharp humor, showcased his ability to imbue even exaggerated characters with a distinct personality. In his later career, Owens continued to captivate audiences by serving as the announcer for Antenna TV, a national broadcast network specializing in classic television programming. His deep, familiar voice provided a nostalgic and comforting presence, perfectly complementing the network's mission to celebrate television history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Owens

What was Gary Owens' most famous role?

Gary Owens is most widely recognized for two primary roles: serving as the deadpan announcer on the highly popular Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and providing the voice for the superhero Space Ghost in the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon.

What made Gary Owens' voice distinctive?

Owens possessed a polished, deep baritone voice. His unique style involved delivering often ridiculous or nonsensical lines with absolute deadpan seriousness, creating a comedic effect that was both sophisticated and hilarious.

Did Gary Owens only do comedic work?

No, Gary Owens was known for his versatility. While celebrated for his comedic timing and deadpan humor, he was equally proficient in "straight" announcing and narrating roles, making him a sought-after voice for various television, radio, and commercial projects.

What other famous cartoon characters did Gary Owens voice?

In addition to Space Ghost, Gary Owens voiced Blue Falcon in Dynomutt, Dog Wonder and was the original voice for the titular character in the animated series Roger Ramjet.

Where can I hear Gary Owens' voice today?

Fans can still hear Gary Owens' iconic voice in reruns of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, classic episodes of Space Ghost and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder, and through archival recordings of his radio work and commercials. He also served as the announcer for Antenna TV, a network that broadcasts classic television programming.