Arte Johnson, best known for his role as one of the stars of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, has passed away. He was 90 years old.
Born in Michigan, Johnson eventually sought work in advertising in Chicago, then New York. He earned his first showbiz role after spontaneously auditioning for Gentleman Prefer Blondes and getting the part.
Johnson later moved into television work, appearing in sitcoms like It's Always Jan, Sally and The Andy Griffith Show throughout the 1950s and '60s.
He was best known, however, for his work on Laugh-In from 1968 to 1973. Amongst his most memorable characters were Wolfgang (a German soldier who believed World War II was still happening) and Tyrone F. Horneigh (a "dirty old man" who would repeatedly pursued Ruth Buzzi's spinster character).
Later in his career, Johnson guested on shows like The Partridge Family, The Gong Show and Murder, She Wrote. He also contributed his voice to animated shows like Ducktales, The Smurfs and Animaniacs.
He retired from acting in 2006.
Born in Michigan, Johnson eventually sought work in advertising in Chicago, then New York. He earned his first showbiz role after spontaneously auditioning for Gentleman Prefer Blondes and getting the part.
Johnson later moved into television work, appearing in sitcoms like It's Always Jan, Sally and The Andy Griffith Show throughout the 1950s and '60s.
He was best known, however, for his work on Laugh-In from 1968 to 1973. Amongst his most memorable characters were Wolfgang (a German soldier who believed World War II was still happening) and Tyrone F. Horneigh (a "dirty old man" who would repeatedly pursued Ruth Buzzi's spinster character).
Later in his career, Johnson guested on shows like The Partridge Family, The Gong Show and Murder, She Wrote. He also contributed his voice to animated shows like Ducktales, The Smurfs and Animaniacs.
He retired from acting in 2006.
