British TV actress Judy Carne, ex-wife of Burt Reynolds who appeared in 1960s comedy show Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, dies aged 76

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Carne famous for popularizing the 'Sock it to Me' phrase on the hit TV show
Skilled comedian had roles in several TV shows after Martin's Laugh-In
She died of pneumonia at Northampton General Hospital on September 3
Actress wed Burt Reynolds in 1963 but marriage lasted just two years

Published: 09:49 EST, 8 September 2015 | Updated: 11:09 EST, 8 September 2015

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Passed away: British TV actress Judy Carne died in hospital last week

British TV actress Judy Carne, ex-wife of Burt Reynolds and star of the US comedy show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, has died in hospital aged 76.

Carne was famous for popularizing the 'Sock it to Me' phrase on the hit TV show that ran from 1967 to 1973.

According to a spokesman for Northampton General Hospital, she died of pneumonia on September 3.

Carne shot to fame with the rise of Martin's Laugh-In, a smash hit on NBC that often featured her doused in water, taking pratfalls or suffering other humiliations after uttering her signature phrase.

The show represented a major network's take on 'flower power', and Carne's persona emphasized her wacky humor and pixie looks.

She was frequently costumed in the bright colors and miniskirts fashionable at the time.

'Laugh-In' made stars not only of Carne but also of Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, and several others.

Carne left the show in its third season and her acting career faltered afterward as she became heavily involved with drugs.

Carne was born Joyce Botterill in Northampton and started performing on TV shows in the late 1950s, building a reputation in England before moving to the United States.

Skilled as a comedian and gaining a national profile from 'Laugh-In,' she appeared on the top TV shows of the time, including the Ed Sullivan Show and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

She also had roles in several TV series but her career was sidetracked by heroin addiction and a series of medical and legal problems.

Previous marriage: The actress and Burt Reynolds (pictured together above) got married in 1963

Her 1985 autobiography 'Laughing on the Outside, Crying on the Inside' chronicled her many problems with substance abuse in intimate detail.

She was married twice, including once to the actor Burt Reynolds, and spent her later years with her two dogs living in the village of Pitsford in Northamptonshire.

During her lifetime she talked of relationships with several well known figures including Vidal Sassoon, Stirling Moss and the actors Anthony Newley, Steve McQueen and Warren Beatty