They Owned Prime-Time TV... Until They Didn't

If you grew up in the 1970s, you couldn't flip through the channels without seeing these entertainers. They were regulars on the biggest variety shows, always ready with a joke, an impression, or a hilarious sketch. Then, almost as quickly as they became television fixtures, many quietly faded from the spotlight. 

Let's revisit 20 stars who once seemed to be on TV every single week.

CBS Broadcasting Inc., The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)

#20. Charlie Callas

Charlie Callas didn't even have to finish a sentence to get a laugh. His exaggerated facial expressions and unforgettable sound effects made him a favorite on The Dean Martin Show, The Flip Wilson Show, and The Carol Burnett Show. For a while, he seemed to pop up everywhere—and audiences loved every second.

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#19. Billy Van

Canadian comedian Billy Van became a familiar face through The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show, and numerous television specials. Whether he was dressed as a pirate, cowboy, or some completely ridiculous character, he could steal a sketch before anyone else had a chance.

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#18. Slappy White

Slappy White brought his smooth delivery and effortless timing to The Flip Wilson Show, The Dean Martin Show, celebrity roasts, and countless talk shows. His relaxed style made every joke sound spontaneous, even though his comic timing was razor sharp.

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#17. Totie Fields

Totie Fields became one of the busiest stand-up comics on television during the decade. Her appearances on The Dean Martin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, and variety specials made her a household name before health problems sadly cut her career short.

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#16. Dick Shawn

Nobody committed to a comedy routine quite like Dick Shawn. Whether he was appearing on The Dean Martin Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, or television specials, audiences never knew what outrageous stunt he might pull next. Predictable wasn't part of his vocabulary.

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#15. George Gobel

George Gobel's quiet, understated style was the perfect contrast to the louder comedians around him. His regular appearances on The Dean Martin Show, The Hollywood Palace, and countless specials proved that sometimes the biggest laughs came from simply looking confused.

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#14. Avery Schreiber

With his unmistakable beard and expressive face, Avery Schreiber became one of television's most recognizable comic performers. He showed up on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, and commercials that were almost as memorable as the shows themselves.

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#13. Nipsey Russell

Known as the 'Poet Laureate of Television,' Nipsey Russell delighted audiences with clever rhymes and quick one-liners. He became a welcome guest on The Dean Martin Show, The Flip Wilson Show, The Tonight Show, and countless game shows throughout the decade.

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#12. Rich Little

Rich Little made a career out of becoming everyone else. His uncanny impressions lit up The Dean Martin Show, The Julie Andrews Hour, The Carol Burnett Show, and dozens of television specials. One minute he was Johnny Carson, the next he was Richard Nixon.

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#11. Marty Allen

You could recognize Marty Allen from across the room thanks to his wild hair, bulging eyes, and infectious laugh. He became a regular on The Hollywood Palace, The Dean Martin Show, The Love Boat specials, and nearly every major variety program of the era.

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#10. Arte Johnson

Fresh off the success of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Arte Johnson remained one of television's busiest comedians throughout the 1970s. His quirky characters and deadpan delivery made him a favorite guest on variety shows and comedy specials alike.

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#9. Ruth Buzzi

Ruth Buzzi's unforgettable characters made her one of the hardest-working performers on television. Between The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Flip Wilson Show, and countless guest appearances, she seemed to be everywhere at once.

NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons

#8. Paul Lynde

No one delivered a sarcastic one-liner quite like Paul Lynde. His appearances on The Dean Martin Show, Donny & Marie, Hollywood Squares, and variety specials guaranteed laughs before he'd even reached the punchline.

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#7. Freddie Prinze

Before his tragic death in 1977, Freddie Prinze was one of television's fastest-rising stars. Along with Chico and the Man, he became a frequent guest on The Dean Martin Show, The Tonight Show, and numerous variety specials, charming audiences with his natural charisma.

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#6. Dom DeLuise

Dom DeLuise never seemed to worry about sticking to the script. Whether he was appearing on The Carol Burnett Show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Dean Martin Show, or a Bob Hope special, he usually had the cast laughing as hard as the audience.

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#5. Jonathan Winters

Jonathan Winters could create a hilarious character out of thin air in seconds. His appearances on The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Tonight Show, and television specials reminded viewers that true improvisation is an art form.

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#4. Flip Wilson

The Flip Wilson Show turned Flip Wilson into one of television's biggest stars. His unforgettable character Geraldine and his easygoing charm made him one of the defining comedians of the decade, even though younger audiences rarely hear his name today.

NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons

#3. Harvey Korman

Harvey Korman's straight-faced reactions became almost as funny as the jokes themselves. Week after week on The Carol Burnett Show, he found himself desperately trying not to laugh while surrounded by comic chaos. Sometimes losing the battle made the sketch even funnier.

CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons

#2. Tim Conway

Tim Conway had an incredible ability to derail an entire sketch with one perfectly timed improvised line. His legendary performances on The Carol Burnett Show often left the cast in tears from laughing. Watching Harvey Korman try to keep a straight face became part of the entertainment.

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#1. Carol Burnett

No one defined 1970s variety television quite like Carol Burnett. As the star of The Carol Burnett Show, she introduced audiences to unforgettable characters, hilarious sketches, and a cast that looked like they were having just as much fun as the viewers. Even decades later, she's still considered one of television's greatest entertainers.

CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

The variety-show era gave America a generation of comedians who could earn huge laughs with a single look, one clever line, or an unforgettable character. While many younger viewers may not recognize every name on this list, baby boomers remember when these performers made Saturday nights—and just about every other night—a whole lot funnier.

CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10