This past weekend in Los Angeles, the cast and crew from one of TV’s legendary classic comedy show, Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh In”, received a toast from Actors and Others for Animals, a group first founded in 1971. Stars of the comedy series and fellow celebrities joined forces with their fans and many other animal lovers to observe the honorees.
The panel – Lt to Rt Marla Pennington Rowan, Gary Owen, Dolly Martin, Arte Johnson, JoAnne Worley, Bruce Vilanch, Barbara Feldon, George Schlatter, Fred Willard and Rip Taylor.
A&O President Jo Ann Worley was not alone in honoring “Laugh In” at the celebration. Gary Owens, Nancy Sinatra, Fred Willard, Arte Johnson, Rip Taylor, Billy Barnes, Diana Herbert, Dolly Martin, Marla Pennington Rowan, Loretta Swit, Mary Ann Mobley, Gary Collins, and Alice and Leonard Malton also attended the special event that not only celebrated, but fundraised and raised awareness for animals.
“Laugh In” producer George Schlatter was also on hand along with “Get Smart” producer Burt Nodella who accompanied Barbara Feldon to the event.
Laugh-In Producer George Schlatter with show’s first guest Barbara Feldon.
Rip Taylor and Fred Willard.
Award for Caring
Receiving the 2009 Award for Caring was Dick Van Patten. Most known for being a favorite TV Dad, Dick Van Patten is a long time animal lover and creator of the very successful Natural Balance Pet Foods. His son James followed the award with a warm welcome showing Dick’s all around nice guy persona. Dick Van Patten had been voted in the past as one of TV’s all-time favorite dads.
Award for Caring recipient Dick Van Patten with son Jimmy and wife Patty.
Board member Lorreta Swit welcomes the audience.
The Event
Comedy guru Bruce Vilanche MC’d the event following an introduction by A&O Executive Director Susan Taylor and A&O President Jo Ann Worley. Guests dined on a delicious gourmet vegetarian meal followed by gourmet cheesecake and chocolate cake only after giving a special mention of “Laugh In” star Henry Gibson who recently passed away.
Host Bruce Vilanch with the classic character’s cutouts.
Three blondes: Nancy Sinatra, Bruce Vilanch and Loretta Swit.
A private cocktail reception was held prior to the luncheon where media and celebrities gathered. Ms. Worley took on the job as MC without a microphone to announce each celebrity as they arrived. NBC’s Deidre Thieman, senior archivist for entertainment assets, assembled a colorful exhibit of several of the unforgettable outfits the “Laugh In” stars wore on the series. There was also a silent auction to raise funds.
Joanne Worley with original Laugh-In costume.
When costume designer, Michael Travis was asked for his favorite “Laugh In,” he laughed and replied, “they were all my favorites.” He also noted the fun he had working on the show and how he was very proud to have been a part of it all.
Arte Johnson and Billy Barnes.
To visit Actors & Others for Animals online, just go to www.actorsandothers.com
Photos by Matthew Fried.
