Eric Morecambe

Eric Morecambe
Victor Heyfron M.A. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Eric Morecambe
Caption	Morecambe in 1973
Birth name	John Eric Bartholomew
Birth date	14 May 1926
Birth place	Morecambe, Lancashire, England
Death date	28 May 1984
Death place	Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Occupation	Comedian, actor
Years active	1941–1984
Spouse	Joan Bartlett, 1952, 1984

Eric Morecambe. Born John Eric Bartholomew, he was one half of the iconic British comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, alongside Ernie Wise. Renowned for his tall, lanky physicality, quick-witted ad-libs, and celebrated double-act chemistry, he became a beloved figure in British entertainment. His career, spanning over four decades, cemented his status as a national treasure, with his work continuing to influence British comedy long after his death.

Early life and career beginnings

He was born in the seaside town of Morecambe, Lancashire, which later provided his stage name. His early interest in performance was encouraged by his mother, and he won a talent competition at the Liverpool Empire in 1940. This led to his first professional booking on the BBC's radio show *Youth Takes a Bow* in 1941. He began performing as a solo comedian on the demanding variety and music hall circuit, where he first met the young comedian Ernie Wise in 1941 while both were part of a touring revue called *Youth Takes a Bow*. Their initial partnership was intermittent, as both pursued individual national service and stage work, but they formally teamed up in the late 1940s after being booked as a double act by impresario Bryan Michie.

Partnership with Ernie Wise

The duo's breakthrough came with their own television series, *Running Wild*, in 1954, though it was poorly received. Their career was revitalised when they began working with writer Eddie Braben in 1969, who refined their personas for their legendary shows on the BBC. Their Christmas specials, particularly those in the 1970s, achieved record-breaking audiences, becoming a cornerstone of British television. Their sketches famously featured guest stars from the highest echelons of entertainment, including Shirley Bassey, André Previn, and Glenda Jackson, who were often the butt of his good-natured insults. The partnership was defined by his role as the mischievous, glasses-wearing comic foil to Wise's pretentious, "short, fat hairy-legged" straight man, a dynamic celebrated in classic routines like *The Breakfast Sketch* and *The Stripper*.

Solo projects and other work

Outside the duo, he pursued several independent ventures, demonstrating a keen interest in birdwatching which led to the 1974 television series *The Morecambe & Wise Bird Book*. He authored a novel, *Mr Lonely* (1981), and made occasional solo television appearances on shows like *Parkinson*. He also starred in several films without Wise, including *The Intelligence Men* (1965) and *That Riviera Touch* (1966), though these met with limited critical success compared to his television work. His distinctive voice and persona were used for advertising campaigns, notably for the Texaco petroleum company.

Personal life

He married dancer Joan Bartlett in 1952, and they remained together until his death, having three children. His life was profoundly affected by a major heart attack in 1968, after which he underwent successful coronary artery bypass surgery. Despite this, he maintained a hectic performance schedule. A passionate supporter of Luton Town F.C., he served as the club's president and was a regular at Kenilworth Road. His health continued to be fragile, and he suffered a second heart attack in 1979.

Legacy and influence

He died from a third heart attack in 1984 shortly after taking a bow at the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames. His death prompted national mourning and front-page headlines. The duo's influence on British culture is immense, with their shows regularly repeated on channels like BBC Two and Gold. He was posthumously honoured with a statue on the seafront of his hometown. Comedians from Peter Kay to Miranda Hart cite his timing and warmth as a major influence. In numerous polls, including those by the British Film Institute and BBC, Morecambe and Wise are consistently voted the greatest British comedians of all time.

Category:English comedians Category:English male television actors Category:People from Morecambe