Eric Morecambe

"Eric Morecambe was born on May 14, 1926, in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, into the family of George and Sadie Bartholomew. He displayed an early interest in performing, and his talents were nurtured by his parents, who recognized his potential as an entertainer. Eric’s early exposure to vaudeville and variety shows ignited his passion for comedy and performance. Eric Morecambe won local talent competitions at a young age and developed a passion for being a successful comic and entertainer. His performance, which featured his singing and dancing skills, provided a sneak preview of his natural talent for entertaining crowds. Young performer Ernie Wise happened to cross paths with Eric Morecambe in 1941. This chance encounter served as the beginning of a cooperation that went on to become legendary in the British comedy industry. There was an instant and undeniable chemistry between Eric and Ernie that made them realize the potential of their partnership. The pivotal moment in their career occurred in the 1950s, when they started their radio career with the program “Youth Takes a Bow.” This project was their first great success and made their particular brand of humor more widely known. They became radio favorites because of their smart banter, perfect timing, and capacity to connect with listeners. Due to the popularity of their radio program, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise were able to move their show to television, where they would go on to become well-known figures. During the 1960s and 1970s, “The Morecambe and Wise Show” established itself as a mainstay of British television. The structure of their variety show was a mix of comedic skits, celebrity guests, and musical acts. Their program quickly became a cherished British tradition. The fact that Eric Morecambe is still remembered today in the world of comedy is a credit to his brilliance and commitment, as well as to the exceptional collaboration he had with Ernie Wise. Their impact on British comedy and their capacity to make countless spectators laugh confirm their status as genuine entertainment legends. Eric Morecambe married Joan Bartlett in 1952 and they had three children: Gail, Gary and Steven (adopted). He suffered from heart problems throughout his life and had two heart attacks before his final one. He collapsed and died on-stage at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury in May 1984, watched by his wife, immediately after appearing in a show with Stan Stennett. He was 58 years old. His ashes were scattered in the Garden of Remembrance at St Nicholas Churchyard in Harpenden, where he had lived for many years."