Gary Owens, whose voice was known on radio, TV and movies for more than six decades, has died at the age of 80 from complications of diabetes, which he had since childhood. He hosted thousands of radio programs, appeared in scores of television shows and more than a dozen movies, and voiced hundreds of animated character, but Owens was best known for his roll as the deadpan announcer of comedy skits on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.

The antics on Laugh-In were frequently linked in narration by Owens, who is one of the few performers who appeared in all 140 episodes of the show. He was known for his portrayal of an old-school announcer, with one hand cupped over an ear, a pose of studied earnestness. His catchphrase, “beautiful downtown Burbank,” became a favorite on of Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.

Owens’ smooth voice made him a popular voice-over star, including radio and animated films. His was the voice of hundreds of animated characters, including Space Ghost, Garfield and Friends, Blue Falcon and The Ren & Stimpy Show. His film credits included The Green Hornet, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, and Neil Simon’s Prisoner of Second Avenue. He appeared on Lucille Ball and Bob Hope specials.

George Schlatter, Laugh-In’s creator and producer, hired him for the comedy series after hearing his voice boom through a restroom in a restaurant. When asked if Owens was a workaholic, Schlatter said “Gary did not work. Gary played.” Schlatter said he had a whimsical sense of humor that brought a lot to Laugh-In.

Owens was inducted into the National Television Hall of Fame in 2001, and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1995. He is survived by Arlete, his wife of 57 years, and sons Scott and Chris.