Dick Assman

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For the German meteorologist, see Richard Assmann.

Richard "Dick" Assman (born ca. 1934 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a Saskatchewan gas station owner whose name propelled him to celebrity status across North America for four months in 1995. Assman, who co-owned a Petro-Canada outlet at Victoria Square Mall in Regina, was discovered by David Letterman, who was amused by his name. Assman was introduced on July 24, 1995, on the Late Show with David Letterman, where he was a nightly feature for about a month. 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[1] 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,[2][3][4] Vancouver polling company Angus Reid Public Opinion reported that 49 percent of surveyed Canadians in September 1995 had heard of his name.[5] Assman received a number of contracts for commercial appearances, was asked to run for public office, and received many marriage proposals. "Assmania" came to a close in August when Assman visited the Ed Sullivan Theater and was presented with a bouquet of roses by Letterman.[6]

In October 1995, James Blanchard, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, paid a visit to Assman at his petrol station, citing his status as "an international celebrity."[7] The Regina petrol station closed in August 2003, but Assman moved to another Petro-Canada station.

Assman or Assmann is a German language surname derived from the name Erasmus. Dick Assman himself, who took all this ribbing good-naturedly, pronounces his name "uzman".

References

  1. ↑ Late Show w/David Letterman - Dick Assman Part 1 on YouTube
  2. ↑ (9 August 1995). Assmania goes on tour, Waterloo Region Record
  3. ↑ (4 August 1995). What a cheek: The Assman is coming to Ontario, Toronto Star
  4. ↑ (28 July 1995). Letterman's Regina pal takes the Late Night ribbing in his stride, Waterloo Region Record
  5. ↑ Luscombe, Belinda. "NEXT: I.P. DALY ON NIGHTLINE", Time, published October 2, 1995, accessed February 8, 2007.
  6. ↑ (21 August 1995). What's in a name? Ask Letterman guest, Free Lance Star (Associated Press)
  7. ↑ (5 October 1995). Ambassador visits Assman, Waterloo Region Record

External links

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