Edgar Bergen

Edgar Bergen
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Name	Edgar Bergen
Birth date	February 16, 1903
Birth place	Chicago, Illinois
Death date	September 30, 1978
Death place	Las Vegas, Nevada
Occupation	Ventriloquist, actor, comedian

Edgar Bergen was a renowned American ventriloquist, actor, and comedian who is best known for his dummy Charlie McCarthy. He was a popular figure in the entertainment industry, performing with notable stars such as W.C. Fields, Don Ameche, and Dinah Shore. Bergen's career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in numerous radio and television shows, including The Chase and Sanborn Hour and The Edgar Bergen Show. He was also a frequent guest on The Jack Benny Program and The Red Skelton Show.

● Early Life and Career

Edgar Bergen was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Swedish immigrant parents, Johan Berggren and Karin Berggren. He developed an interest in ventriloquism at a young age and began performing at vaudeville shows and theater productions, including Orpheum Circuit and Keith-Albee Vaudeville. Bergen's early career was influenced by notable ventriloquists such as Paul Winchell and Senor Wences. He attended Lake View High School and later studied at Northwestern University, where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. Bergen's big break came when he appeared on The Rudy Vallée Show and later became a regular performer on The Kraft Music Hall with Bing Crosby and Al Jolson.

● Radio and Television Appearances

Bergen's radio career began in the 1930s, when he appeared on The Chase and Sanborn Hour with Don Ameche and Dinah Shore. He later had his own radio show, The Edgar Bergen Show, which featured his popular dummy Charlie McCarthy and other notable guests, including Groucho Marx, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra. Bergen's television career began in the 1950s, with appearances on The Colgate Comedy Hour and The Red Skelton Show. He also had his own television show, The Edgar Bergen Show, which featured a mix of comedy, music, and variety acts, including performances by Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Peggy Lee.

● Film Career

Bergen appeared in numerous films, including Stage Door Canteen with Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis, and I Remember Mama with Irene Dunne and Barbara Bel Geddes. He also starred in Look Who's Laughing with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Here We Go Again with Ray Milland and Maureen O'Hara. Bergen's film career was marked by his collaborations with notable directors, including Mark Sandrich and Charles Reisner. He was also a frequent guest star on The Milton Berle Show and The Jack Benny Program.

● Personal Life

Bergen was married to Frances Bergen, a former model and actress, and had two children, Candice Bergen and Kris Bergen. He was a close friend of notable celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin, Groucho Marx, and Bob Hope. Bergen was also an avid golfer and pilot, and was a member of the Beverly Hills Country Club and the Los Angeles Athletic Club. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.

● Legacy

Edgar Bergen's legacy as a ventriloquist and entertainer continues to be celebrated by audiences around the world. He was a pioneer in the field of ventriloquism and paved the way for future generations of ventriloquists, including Paul Winchell and Terry Fator. Bergen's popular dummy Charlie McCarthy has become an iconic figure in American entertainment, and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. Bergen's contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Peabody Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. He was also a member of the Television Hall of Fame and the National Ventriloquists' Association. Category:American ventriloquists