Remembering Radio/TV Personality Gary Owens

Gary Owens

Gary Owens, the man with the baritone voice who would often put his hand over his ear, was remember during the weekend

Owebns was best known as the announcer on the ’60s and ’70s hit Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In. His tag line, “Coming to you from beautiful Downtown Burbank."

Owens was a longtime L-A radio personality with succes at KMPC 710 AM, KFI 640 AM, KIIS 102.7 FM, KFWB 980 AM and KKGO 106.7 FM.  Owens also was a national radio show on the Music of Your Life Network for 30 years.

It was at KMPC that he and TV personality Wink Martindale became friends. On Friday, Wink released a photo where he and the late Casey Kasem were mimicking Gary’s trademark gesture.

Casey Kasem, Gary Owens, Wink Martindale

Wink wrote on Facebook:

“Of all the professionals I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with in the business Gary stands tall above them all. In particular I will always cherish the twelve years I worked with him at KMPC and was witness to his talents close-up. Gary Owens possessed talents that come along rarely. It is almost a cliche to say it but this man will truly be missed. Best blessings to his family."

During his career, his baritone voice hosted more than 10,000 radio shows. He also recorded more than 30,000 commercials and promotional spots.

He also lent his voice to thousands of cartoons, including “Space Ghost,” “Batman,” “Blue Falcon,” “Chip and Dale,” “Casper the Ghost,” “The Perils of Penelope Pitstop” and “The Fantastic Four.”

Funeral services will be private, but a public memorial is expected to be held. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the children’s Diabetes Foundation at www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.

Owens is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arleta, and sons Scott and Chris.