Who Is Arte Johnson? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Arte Johnson was born on January 20, 1929, and although he passed away in 2019, his legacy continues to resonate in the entertainment industry. Known for his comedic genius, he gained fame as a cast member on the beloved television show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," where his character sketches and one-liners became iconic. Throughout his career, Johnson showcased his ability to morph into various characters, leaving a lasting impression in the world of comedy.
| Occupation | Game Show Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1929 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 3 July, 2019 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Arte Johnson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his life, Arte Johnson stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall. His weight varied throughout his career, but he was known for maintaining a healthy physique. His unique blend of sharp wit and physical comedy showcased his understanding of performance art, making him a versatile entertainer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Arte Johnson was married to his wife, Gisela, for many years. Although he kept much of his personal life private, he often spoke about the importance of family and relationships in interviews, highlighting the support system that allowed him to excel in his career. There are no public records of a boyfriend, girlfriend, or any extramarital affairs, suggesting a stable commitment to his marriage.
His father was an attorney. Johnson graduated from Austin High School and received a bachelor's degree in radio journalism from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1949, where he worked at the campus radio station and the University of Illinois Theater Guild with his brother Coslough "Cos" Johnson.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Arte Johnson's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. His income primarily stemmed from his work in television, film, and stage performances, as well as voice acting roles. Johnson's ability to adapt to various entertainment formats contributed significantly to his financial success, demonstrating his versatility and appeal across generations.
In 1976, Johnson voiced the animated cartoon character Misterjaw, a blue, German-accented shark, in The Pink Panther Show. He also voiced the character "Rhubarb" on The Houndcats and appeared as a guest on Canadian TV show Celebrity Cooks (1976) with host Bruno Gerussi.
Johnson appeared on an episode of the NBC daytime version of Wheel of Fortune in September 1977 as a substitute letter-turner, both to fill in for an injured Susan Stafford, and to promote his short-lived NBC game show Knockout, which aired through early 1978.
Instead of being introduced by the show's announcer, he would start the show with a small monologue, then the announcer would introduce the day's contestants. He was cast as Renfield, the comic sidekick of George Hamilton's Dracula in the film Love at First Bite (1979) and appeared in the all-star television disaster film Condominium (1980).
He voiced "Weerd" in The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985), and played a disgruntled employee denied severance pay in an episode of Airwolf. He also voiced several other characters: Dr. Ludwig Von Strangebuck and Count Ray on two episodes of DuckTales; Devil Smurf on The Smurfs; Top Cat and Lou on Yo Yogi!; and Newt on Animaniacs.
Johnson guest-starred in the Murder, She Wrote episode "No Laughing Murder" (1987). He also appeared in an episode of Night Court (1990). From 1991 to 1992, Johnson appeared in multiple episodes of General Hospital as Finian O'Toole. He played the old laboratory head of a team of scientists working on a serum of youth in Second Chance (1996).
Career, Business, and Investments
Arte Johnson began his career in the 1950s and quickly made a name for himself in stand-up comedy and television. His breakout role on "Laugh-In" solidified his status as a household name. Beyond acting, Johnson ventured into voice acting, lending his talents to several animated series and commercials. Throughout his career, he made strategic investments in various entertainment projects, further increasing his wealth and influence in the industry.
Following brief military service in Korea (he was discharged due to a duodenal ulcer he had suffered since childhood), he sought employment in Chicago advertising agencies but was unsuccessful and left for New York City to work for Viking Press.
In early 1954, Johnson performed in several New York nightclubs, including Le Ruban Bleu and the Village Vanguard. His first job in show business came when he impulsively stepped into an audition line and was cast in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Johnson appeared in Ben Bagley's The Shoestring Revue, which opened off-Broadway on February 28, 1955, at the President Theater in New York.
Social Network
Throughout his life, Arte Johnson maintained a presence on social media platforms, engaging with fans and fellow comedians. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and comedians, who remember his iconic quotes and performances. In death, he is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike, with tributes shared across various social media channels celebrating his work.
Education
Arte Johnson attended the University of Washington, where he honed his skills in performing arts and drama. His education laid the foundational skills that would later propel his career in comedy and acting. He often credited his training and early experiences for shaping his comedic style, which combined clever writing and physical humor.
Conclusion
Arte Johnson's impact on comedy and entertainment is undeniable. As we remember him in 2025, we reflect on his rich career, personal life, and the indelible mark he left on the world of humor. From his early beginnings to his illustrious achievements, Arte Johnson's legacy continues to inspire and entertain.
