| Ernie Wise |
Article Index for Ernie |
Website Links For Ernie |
Information AboutErnie Wise |
|
Ernie Wise OBE ( November 27 , 1925 – March 21 , 1999 ) was a British Comedian , best known as one half of the comedy duo Morecambe And Wise , who became an institution on British Television , especially for their Christmas specials. Ernie's real name was Ernest Wiseman, but he changed his name (as did his partner) to go into show business –- which he did at an early age, appearing as an Actor and Singer in Music Hall . Born in Leeds , Yorkshire , his father, Harry, a railway porter, was also a semi-professional singer, and they appeared together under the name "Bert Carson and his Little Wonder". In 1939 , while still a teenager, he appeared with top British comedian Arthur Askey in his famous ''Bandwagon'' show. Ernie joined forces with Eric Morecambe in 1941 , and they became one of the greatest comedy Double Act s of all time. They made their name in Radio , transferring to television in 1955 . Over a period of nearly twenty years, they had regular series with both ITV and BBC . Their hallmark was the way they invited celebrities onto the show only to make them look ridiculous. It was considered a sign of having "arrived" if a person was invited to appear. In 1976 , they were both appointed OBEs . Although Ernie was, strictly speaking, the ", Vanessa Redgrave , John Mills , and Frank Finlay . Following Eric's sudden death in 1984 , Ernie Wise spent much of his time in Florida and made only occasional appearances -- usually reminiscing about his late partner. In the UK, Ernie lived in a luxury home on the banks of the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire. He suffered a minor stroke in December 1993 and had a second one in August 1995. Ernie formally announced his retirement from showbusiness on his 70th birthday. Ernie died from a heart attack at Nuffield Hospital, Wexham, near Slough , Berkshire at the age of 73, following a series of heart problems over the years. He predeceased his wife and had no children. TRIVIA
Autobiography
REFERENCES |