RIP ARTE JOHNSON

1929-2019

Arte Johnson aka Arthur Stanton Eric Johnson was an actor and writer, known for his comic roles in film and television, primarily on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” (1967-71).  He worked with Lucille Ball several times during his career. Here are some highlights:

HERE’S LUCY: “Lucy Is a Bird-Sitter” ~ January 7, 1974 

Arte Johnson played an eccentric ornithologist with a thick but indeterminate accent who entrusts Lucy and Harry with the care of the rare

Tongan Ruby Throated Weewawk. Naturally, Lucy looses track of the bird. 

THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM: “The Lucille Ball Show” ~ October 2, 1964

Arte Johnson plays Charlie, Jack’s Boom Mic Operator. He indulges in a comic routine with Benny, but does not interact with Lucille Ball, who plays Mrs. Paul Revere in an extended sketch. 

THE GLEN CAMPBELL GOODTIME HOUR ~ September 28, 1971

Lucille Ball does a sketch with Arte Johnson where he plays Tyrone F. Horneigh, the little old man from “Laugh-In” that usually faced Ruth Buzzi.

THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW ~ November 19, 1976

Mike’s guests are Marvin Hamlisch (co-host), Arte Johnson, Glenda Jackson, Tom Waits (musical guest), and a taped interview with Lucy and Gary Morton, so Johnson and Ball did not actually appear together.  

THE DAVID FROST SHOW ~ April 29, 1971

David Frost’s guests are  Lucille Ball, Arte Johnson, Jim Nabors, and Donald Sutherland.