Dick Assman
| Dick Assman | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Richard Arthur Assman February 14, 1934 Neudorf, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Died |
August 15, 2016 (aged 82) Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Gas station employee |
| Known for | Appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman |
Richard Arthur "Dick" Assman (February 14, 1934 – August 15, 2016) was a Canadian gas station employee whose name propelled him to celebrity status across North America for four months in 1995.
Career
In 1995, Assman moved from working at one Petro-Canada station to another. The station's owner took out an advertisement in the local newspaper that was sent anonymously to David Letterman, who was amused by Assman's name.[1] Assman was introduced on July 24, 1995, on the Late Show with David Letterman, where he was a nightly feature for about a month. During this time, he was known as "Assman the Gasman".[2]
Live field units in Canada interviewed him for the show. Over the weeks, Joe Namath declared himself an "Ass-maniac", while Assman received a musical tribute from Tony Orlando[3] on Letterman:
Northgate Petro-Canada
Oh, they're relocating
Their new office at Victoria Square
They're celebrating
Oh vaya con dios, Dick Assman
Vaya con dios, my love
As his fame grew,[4][5][6] Vancouver polling company Angus Reid Public Opinion reported that 49 percent of surveyed Canadians in September 1995 had heard of his name.[7] Assman received a number of contracts for commercial appearances, was asked to run for public office, and received many marriage proposals. He received a request to judge a bikini contest in August 1995 for the Janetville Jamboree and Truck Pull in Janetville, Ontario.[2] "Assmania" came to a close in August when Assman visited the Ed Sullivan Theater and was presented with a bouquet of roses by Letterman.[8]
In October 1995, James Blanchard, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, paid a visit to Assman at his gas station, citing his status as "an international celebrity."[9]
Assman or Assmann is a German-language surname derived from the name Erasmus. Dick Assman himself, who took all this ribbing good-naturedly, pronounced his name "oss-man", as it is pronounced in German.[1]
Personal life
Assman was born in Neudorf, Saskatchewan to Adolf and Elizabeth Assman.[10] He died on August 15, 2016.[11]
References
- 1 2 "Dick Assman still chuckles over his David Letterman fame". cbc.ca. May 15, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- 1 2 "What a cheek: The Assman is coming to Ontario". Toronto Star. 4 August 1995. p. A14. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ↑ Late Show w/David Letterman - Dick Assman Part 1 on YouTube
- ↑ (9 August 1995). Assmania goes on tour, Waterloo Region Record
- ↑ (4 August 1995). What a cheek: The Assman is coming to Ontario, Toronto Star
- ↑ (28 July 1995). Letterman's Regina pal takes the Late Night ribbing in his stride, Waterloo Region Record
- ↑ Luscombe, Belinda. "NEXT: I.P. DALY ON NIGHTLINE", Time, published October 2, 1995, accessed February 8, 2007.
- ↑ (21 August 1995). What's in a name? Ask Letterman guest, Free Lance Star (Associated Press)
- ↑ (5 October 1995). Ambassador visits Assman, Waterloo Region Record
- ↑ "Obituary of Richard Assman". speersfuneralchapel.com. August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- ↑ Hudes, Sammy (August 19, 2016). "Dick Assman of Letterman fame dies at 82". thestar.com. Retrieved August 19, 2016.