60s stars Rowan & Martin honoured

Sixties comedy show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In is to be honoured by American broadcasters.

The show, one of the few US attempts at a sketch show, is to be given the National Association of Broadcasters' Hall Of Fame award next year.

Dan Rowan and Dick Martin's show ran for 140 episodes over five years, starting in 1968, and launched the career of Goldie Hawn.

A spokesman for the association said: "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In became an instant hit for NBC in 1968 with its anarchic energy, vaudevillian shtick and eccentric performances.

"Laugh-In forever changed the variety show format and heavily influenced later programmes such as "Saturday Night Live."

It was television's highest-rated comedy series when it ended its run in 1973.

The show will be honoured at an industry lunch in Las Vegas on April 8.

Its creator George Schlatter and stars including Dick Martin, Gary Owens, Henry Gibson and Arte Johnson will be there.

The Hall of Fame award is presented to an individual or programme that has made a significant and lasting contribution to the television industry.

Past winners include Jerry Lewis, Star Trek, All in the Family, Saturday Night Live and M*A*S*H.

Published: 18 Dec 2001