Gary Owens

Gary Owens (born Gary Altman on May 10, 1936) is a disc jockey and voice actor born in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Related Topics:
May 10 - 1936 - Disc jockey - Voice actor - South Dakota

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Owens was a journeyman DJ/announcer throughout the midwest and southern U.S. in the late 1950s, finally ending up at radio station KEWB, Oakland, California in 1959. He moved to its sister station KFWB in Los Angeles. From there, he joined the staff of KMPC in 1962, where he remained for the next two decades working the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. shift, Monday through Fridays. A gifted punster, Owens became known for his surrealistic humor. Among his trademarks were daily appearances by The Story Lady (played by Joan Gerber), the Rumor of the Day, myriad varieties of "The Nurney Song", and the introduction of the nonsense word "insegrevious", which was briefly included in the Funk and Wagnall's Dictionary.

Related Topics:
Radio station - KEWB - Oakland, California - KFWB - Los Angeles - KMPC - 1962 - The Story Lady - Joan Gerber

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During this period, Owens became more widely known as the voice of the TV cartoon characters Roger Ramjet and Space Ghost, and perhaps most importantly, as the announcer on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, all the while continuing his show on KMPC. He also hosted the daily game show "Letters to Laugh-In" during its brief run in 1969.

Related Topics:
Roger Ramjet - Space Ghost - Announcer - Laugh-In

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In 1976, Owens hosted the first season of the nighttime version of The Gong Show; he was replaced by the show's creator, Chuck Barris.

Related Topics:
The Gong Show - Chuck Barris

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Owens has also provided the voice for

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• Powdered Toast Man of the Ren and Stimpy Show.
• Captain Squash on Bobby's World
• Dirk Niblick on PBS's Square One TV
• The Blue Falcon in Dynomutt, Dog Wonder

He has narrated or announced dozens of other cartoons as well.

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Gary currently hosts a weeknight show on the Music Of Your Life radio network.

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Gary Owens: Trademark ►