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Under the Influence

Laugh-In announcer couldn't stop laughing during a commercial

The world of advertising has some hilarious outtakes. Sometimes actors get the words all mixed up to hilarious results, sometimes celebrities have melt-downs, and sometimes professional actors break down in a fit of the giggles.
CBC Radio ·
Laugh-In announcer Gary Owens cups one ear while standing at a microphone with a script in front of him.
Laugh-In announcer Gary Owens in Beautiful Downtown Burbank. (YouTube: Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In)
Under the Influence27:26Commercial Outtakes & Bloopers

Years ago, outtakes and bloopers of commercials would be snuck out of recording studios. But these days, advertisers are releasing outtakes, hoping the public will enjoy them, share them, and spend more time with the brand.

A lot of funny moments happen in recording studios. When you work in the advertising business, you deal with a wide range of products. Some are fun, like soft drink and beer campaigns. Some are very serious, like public service announcements for charities. Then sometimes, you have to do your best for those rather delicate products.

You may remember a performer named Gary Owens. He was the stentorian announcer on the Laugh-In comedy show, with his hand always cupped around his ear when reading a script.

The late great Gary Owens had that rare ability to make something really funny by reading it perfectly straight.

Except for this one time.

He was hired to read a heartfelt Christmas message from the makers… of Preparation H:

The world of advertising has some hilarious outtakes. Just like the movies, there are multiple takes, lots of pressure, and lots of mistakes. Sometimes actors get the words all mixed up to hilarious results. Sometimes celebrities have melt-downs. And sometimes, like Gary Owens, professional actors just break down in a fit of the giggles.

For more Commercial Outtakes, click or tap the play button above to hear the full episode of Under the Influence. Find more episodes on the CBC Listen app or subscribe to the podcast.