It's still May 10, at least where I am, so I can wish a Happy Birthday to one of the world's great voices, Gary Owens. Folks who lived in Los Angeles in the sixties probably knew him first as the witty radio personality on KFWB and then on KMPC. Folks outside L.A. probably knew him first as a cartoon voice (Space Ghost and Roger Ramjet, to name two) or as the on-air announcer for Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. He's also had an astounding career as an off-camera announcer, an actor, a TV host, a straight man for folks like Jonathan Winters, an Avon lady, a grilled cheese sandwich, a small carry-on bag, etc. The guy does everything and he does it so well that a prolonged period of unemployment for him is when he finishes one job at 11 AM and doesn't have anything else until after lunch.
I've known Gary since I wrote gags for him in 1970 and in a business full of jealousy and backstabbing, I've yet to hear an unkind word about him from anyone. He's a true gentleman, and I'll be interviewing him and reviewing his past on a spotlight panel at this year's Comic-Con International. For now, I'll just say Happy Birthday, Gary…and may your drelbs all be friendly.