The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts

From 1965 to 1974, "The Dean Martin Show" was a staple on NBC, playing host to a who's who of Hollywood stars. In 1973, the producers added a segment called "Man of the Week Celebrity Roasts." The segment became an instant hit and in 1974, "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts" was born. On October 31, 1974, with Dean Martin at the helm, Bob Hope became the first roastee with roasters Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Phyllis Diller, Billy Graham, Henry Kissinger, Ronald Reagan, Don Rickles, Flip Wilson, and many others on the dais. Many considered Hollywood royalty took their turn as roastee including, Frank Sinatra, Redd Foxx, Lucille Ball, Don Rickles, Johnny Carson and Muhammad Ali. This star-studded and entertaining TV series gave audiences a chance to watch their favorite celebrities laugh and be laughed at.

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