George Schlatter: The Man Who Made Television Laugh
In the annals of television history, few figures loom as large as George Schlatter. A producer, director, and writer, he is the man who injected a dose of chaotic, colorful, and cutting-edge comedy into the American living room, forever changing the landscape of television.
With a career spanning over seven decades, Schlatter’s influence is immeasurable. He is most famously the creator of the groundbreaking variety show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, a program that didn’t just entertain but defined an era.
From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in a suburb of St. Louis, Schlatter’s journey into show business was anything but ordinary. His early career saw him working as a Hollywood agent and later as the general manager for Ciro’s, a popular nightclub on the Sunset Strip.
It was at Ciro’s that he crossed paths with the comedy duo Dan Rowan and Dick Martin. This fateful meeting would eventually lead to a partnership that would reshape television comedy. Before his biggest hit, Schlatter honed his craft producing for legends like Dinah Shore and Judy Garland.
The Birth of a Phenomenon: Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
Schlatter often describes Laugh-In as a happy accident. In 1968, NBC needed something to fill a difficult time slot against powerhouse shows. Schlatter delivered a concept so fast-paced and unconventional that network executives were initially baffled.
The show was a whirlwind of one-liners, running skits, and celebrity cameos, all delivered with a psychedelic, mod sensibility. Catchphrases like “Sock it to me!” and “You bet your sweet bippy” quickly entered the national lexicon.
Against all odds, Laugh-In became a cultural phenomenon, rocketing to the number one spot in the ratings. It proved that audiences were far more sophisticated than the networks believed, ready for comedy that was both smart and silly.
Beyond the Laughter: A Legacy of Innovation
While Laugh-In remains his most iconic creation, Schlatter’s innovative spirit didn’t stop there. He went on to create Real People, a show that laid the groundwork for the reality television genre that dominates the airwaves today.
He also founded the American Comedy Awards, an event dedicated to celebrating the art of comedy and the performers who create it. His production credits are a who’s who of entertainment, including specials for Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Muhammad Ali.
Not every venture was a success. Schlatter recalls the show Turn-On, which was so ahead of its time it was canceled midway through its premiere episode. Yet, he still considers it one of his proudest and most magnificent achievements.
The Man with the Golden Touch for Talent
One of Schlatter’s greatest legacies is his incredible eye for talent. He was instrumental in launching the careers of some of comedy’s biggest stars. He saw a special spark in a young dancer named Goldie Hawn, whose infectious giggle became a show highlight.
He provided a platform for the brilliant and versatile Lily Tomlin, allowing her to introduce characters like Ernestine the telephone operator to the world. He even cast a then-unknown Robin Williams in a revival of Laugh-In, recognizing his genius early on.
A Philosophy of Accidents and Laughter
Throughout his career, Schlatter has embraced a philosophy that accidents are not problems, but opportunities. This belief guided him in creating a space where chaos could be cultivated into comedy gold.
He navigated complex relationships with some of Hollywood’s most iconic and challenging personalities, from the “confrontational” fun he had with Frank Sinatra to the delicate task of making the legendary Judy Garland laugh.
His core belief has always been simple: people need to laugh. He saw comedy as an essential service, a way to get through the challenges of life. It’s a principle that has been the foundation of his entire career.
Still Laughing: The Enduring Legacy of George Schlatter
Now in his 90s, George Schlatter is still laughing. He has chronicled his remarkable life and career in his memoir, Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his incredible journey.
His work continues to be celebrated, and he has been involved with the National Comedy Center, ensuring that the history of comedy and the artists who create it are preserved for future generations.
George Schlatter didn’t just produce television shows; he created cultural touchstones. He was a pioneer who broke the rules, trusted his instincts, and, in doing so, made the world a funnier place.
