Eric Morecambe Biography
Born as | John Eric Bartholomew |
Occup. | Comedian |
From | United Kingdom |
Spouse | Joan Bartlett (1952) |
Born | May 14, 1926 Morecambe, Lancashire, England |
Died | May 28, 1984 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England |
Aged | 58 years |
Early Life
John Eric Bartholomew, known by his phase name Eric Morecambe, was born upon May 14, 1926, in Morecambe, Lancashire, England. He was the only child of George and Sadie Bartholomew, a middle-class working family. His daddy was a railway employee, and his mother was a performance pianist. Eric established a sense of humor early in life and was known for captivating his friends and family with jokes and spoofs.
At the age of 13, Eric left school and started operating at a regional factory. He later on quit the job as he wanted to pursue a career in the show business. With the support of his parents, he began to carry out at regional theaters and clubs.
Early Career
In 1941, at 15 years of ages, Bartholomew made his launching in a skill competition as a young impressionist and comedian. His skill soon captured the attention of famous impresario Bernard Delfont, who signed him up for a performance in a seaside entertainment show, where he ultimately took on the phase name Eric Morecambe, inspired by his home town.
Throughout World War II, he signed up with the army and carried out in the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). It was throughout his military service that Eric fulfilled
Ernie Wise, a fellow performer, and eventually formed the legendary double act Morecambe and Wise.
Morecambe and Wise
Eric Morecambe and
Ernie Wise formed their funny collaboration in 1944, and their unique design, which blended cheeky humor, slapstick, wordplay, and sketches, was an instant hit. They toured around different theatres across the United Kingdom, developing their comedic skills.
In 1954, Morecambe and Wise made their very first tv debut in a British range program called "Running Wild". Although the program got combined reviews, the direct exposure assisted them land their own television series called "The Morecambe and Wise Show", which aired from 1961 to 1968. Their long-lasting collaboration resulted in over a twenty-year run of successful tv shows, becoming a British cultural organization and making them among the most beloved and long-lasting funny teams in history.
The Peak of Their Career
Morecambe and Wise reached the peak of their success in the 1970s. Their shows, that included "Morecambe and Wise Show" and "The Eric and Ernie Show", attracted millions of audiences and garnered great deals of appreciation for their comedic skill. They hosted various guest stars, consisting of popular stars, vocalists, and even politicians.
Among their most memorable sketches is the "Breakfast" regular, where they danced and mimed to the tune of "The Stripper" while preparing their breakfast. Another iconic sketch is their Christmas special with well known vocalist Andre Previn, which remains among the highest-rated programs in British tv history.
Throughout their profession, Morecambe and Wise received various awards and honors, including multiple BAFTA Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Comedy Awards in 1995 (posthumously for Eric Morecambe).
Later Life and Death
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Eric Morecambe suffered numerous health issue, including a cardiac arrest in 1979. He was forced to relax on his profession, and the duo ultimately stopped carrying out together in 1983.
Eric Morecambe succumbed to a heart attack on May 28, 1984, shortly after ending up a performance at a charity event. He was just 58 years of ages. The death of Eric Morecambe marked completion of the Morecambe and Wise partnership, leaving behind a comedy tradition that is still commemorated today.
Personal Life
Eric Morecambe wed Joan Bartlett in 1952, and they had three kids together - Gail, Gary, and Steven. Joan stuck with Eric till his death, and the couple was understood for their strong and caring relationship throughout their marriage.
Eric Morecambe was not just a skilled comedian but also a knowledgeable musician, playing a number of instruments like the piano and the drums. He was likewise an avid birdwatcher, and his love for nature is well documented in his autobiography titled "Eric Morecambe Unseen".
In conclusion, Eric Morecambe, born John Eric Bartholomew, was a cherished and legendary British comedian known for his long-running partnership with
Ernie Wise. Their television shows and comical regimens became an essential part of British culture and continue to be celebrated even years after Morecambe's untimely death.
Our collection contains 4 quotes who is written / told by Eric.
Related authors: Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Ice T (Musician), Ernie Wise (Comedian)
Source / external links: