Dick Assman

Who is Dick Assman?

Richard "Dick" Assman 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 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, Vancouver polling company Angus Reid Public Opinion reported that 49 percent of surveyed Canadians in September 1995 had heard of his name. 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.