Who was the first celebrity Dean Martin roasted?
"The Dean Martin Show" was struggling by 1973, so producers decided to shake things up with an old tradition from the exclusive New York Friars Club. Starting in the fall of 1973 during his final season, Martin's show would include a celebrity roast, launching what would become one of television's favorite comedy institutions. Which celebrity sat in the hot chair for Dean Martin's inaugural roast?
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Correct Answer: Ronald Reagan
(Source)I'll be honest, I don't have the sense of humor required to be a roastee. The idea of sitting on stage for an hour while my friends and family insult me, even lovingly, sounds like torture. But California governor Ronald Reagan had thick skin and agreed to be NBC's guinea pig. Jack Benny, Don Rickles, Jonathan Winters, and Phyllis Diller took shots at his movie career and politics while the future president laughed through every joke. Even Nancy Reagan got a few jokes in from her seat at the table. Reagan's good humor saved Martin's career and turned getting roasted into a higher honor than most awards ceremonies.
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