I was probably never going to get to do the kind of things dramatically that I really wanted to do, so I returned to theater from time to time, and to write, and produce. It's by no means sour grapes.

M. After some success he moved to New York City in 1959 and appeared in Broadway revues such as From A to Z that showcased his singing and comedy talents. He also appeared in and wrote comedy bits for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

Hovis died in Austin Texas of esophageal cancer in 2003.