Ernie Wise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernie Wise
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Wise in 1960, in a screenshot for a British Pathé film
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| Born |
Ernest Wiseman
27 November 1925 Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
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| Died | 21 March 1999 (aged 73) Wexham, Buckinghamshire, England
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1939–1995 |
| Employer | ATV, BBC, Thames Television |
| Spouse(s) |
Doreen Blythe
(m. 1953) |
Ernie Wise (born Ernest Wiseman, 27 November 1925 – 21 March 1999) was a famous English comedian. He was best known as one half of the comedy team Morecambe and Wise. They were very popular on British television, especially for their funny Christmas shows.
Contents
Ernie's Early Life and Start in Show Business
Ernest Wiseman was born in Leeds, England. He was the oldest of five children. His father, Harry, was a railway worker and also a singer. Ernie started performing very young, even changing his last name to Wise for show business.
When he was seven, Ernie performed with his dad as "Bert Carson and his Little Wonder." He was already showing his talent! By age 10, he was a clown in a show in Bradford. People were amazed by his tap dancing and singing.
Ernie started doing solo acts in 1936. He would sing, dance, and tell jokes. A talent scout named Bryan Michie noticed him. This led to Ernie working with a famous show boss, Jack Hylton. Ernie made his first London stage appearance in 1939. He also made his first TV appearance on the BBC in March 1939.
Becoming a Comedy Star
In 1940, Ernie Wise met Eric Morecambe. They were both in a touring show called "Youth takes a Bow." They quickly became good friends. In 1941, they started their comedy act together. This was the beginning of the famous "Morecambe and Wise" duo.
Their first show together was in Liverpool. They decided to call themselves "Morecambe and Wise." They thought combining their hometowns (Morecambe and Leeds) sounded like a train ticket!
During Second World War, they both served their country. Eric worked in a coal mine, and Ernie was in the Merchant Navy. After the war, they reunited. They became very popular on radio. In 1954, they started their first TV series. It wasn't a big hit at first.
But in 1961, they got their own successful show on ATV. This made them even more famous. They moved to the BBC in 1968. For over 20 years, Morecambe and Wise had popular TV shows. In 1976, they were both given special awards called OBEs.
Ernie was often seen as the "straight man" in their act. This means he was the serious one, setting up Eric's jokes. But his character changed over time. He became a bit silly and thought he was very clever. Ernie also often played a writer in their shows. He would introduce funny plays as "a play what I wrote."
Later Years and Retirement
After Eric Morecambe passed away in 1984, Ernie continued to work. On 1 January 1985, he made what was said to be the first public mobile phone call in the UK. He called from London to Vodafone's office.
Ernie also acted in an American TV show called Too Close for Comfort. This was his only time acting in an American comedy. He also appeared on British TV shows like What's My Line? and Countdown. He wrote a gardening column for a newspaper. Ernie also performed in plays in London's West End. He even gave talks about his life on cruise ships.
In 1990, Ernie wrote his autobiography, Still on My Way to Hollywood. He was also the subject of the TV show This Is Your Life. Ernie was also very active in the Keep Britain Tidy campaign.
In the mid-1990s, Ernie had some health problems. He had a minor stroke in 1993. In 1995, on his 70th birthday, he announced he was retiring from show business. His health continued to get worse. In 1999, he had heart attacks and surgery.
Death
Ernie Wise passed away on 21 March 1999, at the age of 73. He died from heart failure and a chest infection. His funeral was held on 30 March.
Marriage
Ernie Wise married dancer Doreen Blythe on 18 January 1953. They were married for many years until Ernie's death.
Legacy and Statue
In March 2010, a statue of Ernie Wise was put up in his hometown of Morley, West Yorkshire. His wife, Doreen, helped to unveil it. This statue celebrates Ernie's amazing career and his lasting impact on comedy.
Images for kids
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Wise in 1960, in a screenshot for a British Pathé film
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Statue of Ernie Wise in Morley, West Yorkshire
See also
In Spanish: Ernie Wise para niños
