Who Is Gary Owens? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gary Owens was born on May 10, 1934, in Mitchell, South Dakota, USA. He was an iconic American DJ and radio personality known for his distinctive voice and charismatic on-air presence. Over his lengthy career, Owens became a household name through his work on various radio stations, television shows, and as a voice actor. Despite his passing on February 12, 2015, Owens' influence continues to resonate within the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1934 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Mitchell, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 February, 2015 |
| Died Place | Encino, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Gary Owens's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific height and weight statistics for Gary Owens are not widely documented, he was known for his tall stature which complemented his commanding voice and personality. As an entertainer, his presence and charisma were often more prominent than his physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Gary Owens was married twice. His first marriage was to a woman named Dottie Owens, and later, he wed his second wife, actress and singer, April Owens. They stayed together until his death in 2015. Throughout his life, he maintained a reputation for privacy regarding his personal relationships, focusing primarily on his career and contributions to entertainment.
In the early 1960s, like punster-TV star comic colleagues Ernie Kovacs, Steve Allen, and Jonathan Winters, Owens created a few comic characters of his own, such as the gruff old man Earl C. Festoon and his wife Phoebe Festoon, the stuffy old businessman Endocrine J. Sternwallow, and the goofy good ol' boy, Merle Clyde Gumpf.
Another character was crotchety old cantankerous Mergenthaler Waisleywillow.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2015, Gary Owens had an estimated net worth of approximately $5 million. His income was derived from various avenues, including radio shows, voice acting gigs, and television appearances. Owens' legacy continues to hold significant value, as he was considered a pioneer in radio and entertainment.
Owens also co-starred in a number of documentaries about dinosaurs in the 1980s alongside Chicago's Eric Boardman. These documentaries were distributed by the Midwich Entertainment group for the Disney Channel before it went from being a premium pay channel on cable to a standard channel.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gary Owens carved an impressive niche within the entertainment world. His career began in radio, leading to a successful tenure as a disc jockey. He gained national prominence for his work on "Laugh-In," where his comedic deliveries and voiceovers captivated audiences. Owens also lent his voice to numerous animated characters, making him a familiar presence for many fans of classic cartoons.
In addition to voice acting and radio, he dabbled in various business ventures, although full details of his investments remain largely private. The impact of his career, however, continues to influence aspiring DJs and entertainers alike.
Owens started his radio career in 1952 as a news reporter at KORN in Mitchell, South Dakota, and two years later was promoted to news director. In 1956, he left KORN for a newscaster job at KMA, Shenandoah, Iowa, before moving on to a disc jockey job at KOIL, Omaha, Nebraska. He also worked in Dallas, New Orleans, St.
Louis, and at KIMN in Denver before relocating to California in 1959, working at KROY in Sacramento and KEWB in Oakland before finally settling in Los Angeles.
Social Network
While Gary Owens didn't actively engage with social media during his lifetime, his legacy lives on through the accounts of fans and organizations that honor his contributions to the industry. Since his passing, many tributes and memories are shared on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, celebrating his work and the joy he brought to audiences.
Owens moved to KEWB's sister station 980 KFWB in Los Angeles in 1961. From there, he joined the staff of 710 KMPC in 1962, where he remained for the next two decades, replacing previous afternoon host Johnny Grant, working the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. shift Monday through Friday. 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 & Wagnalls Dictionary.
Education
Gary Owens attended Pasadena City College and later transferred to the University of Southern California. His time in academia provided him with valuable education and experiences that shaped his career in broadcasting and entertainment.
