Eric Morecambe

Date of Birth: May 14, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: May 28, 1984

Biography

Eric Morecambe, born John Eric Bartholomew, was an iconic British comedian best known for being one half of the double act Morecambe and Wise, alongside his partner Ernie Wise. Born in Morecambe, Lancashire, he took his stage name from his hometown. Morecambe’s career in comedy began early, winning a talent competition at age 13, which led to his pairing with Wise. Together, they became one of the most beloved comedy duos in British television history. Their shows, especially the “Morecambe & Wise Show,” were a staple of British television from the 1950s through the 1980s. The duo’s Christmas specials were particularly famous, drawing in millions of viewers and becoming a cherished part of British holiday traditions. Morecambe’s humor was characterized by its wit, charm, and the playful banter between him and Wise. In addition to his work on television, Morecambe also appeared in several films and stage productions. His contribution to British comedy was recognized with several awards, including a posthumous BAFTA Fellowship in 1999. Off-screen, Morecambe was known for his passion for football and was a director of Luton Town Football Club. Eric Morecambe passed away on May 28, 1984, after suffering a heart attack shortly after a live performance. His legacy continues to influence comedians and entertain audiences to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Eric Morecambe

1. Eric Morecambe took his stage name from his hometown, Morecambe, in Lancashire.

2. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976 for his services to entertainment.

3. Morecambe and Wise’s 1977 Christmas special drew in an audience of over 28 million viewers.

4. He was a keen birdwatcher and published a book on the subject titled “Eric Morecambe on Birds.”

5. Morecambe had a cameo appearance in the Beatles’ film “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964).

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eric Morecambe

1. “To be honest with you, I enjoy the company of birds more than people.”

2. “There is nothing like a good bit of banter to lift the spirits.”

3. “I’m playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order.”

4. “People come up to me and they’re worried about me because I’m so thin now. But I’m not ill; I’m just thin!”

5. “We had a very happy childhood, and we were brought up to appreciate the simple things in life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Eric Morecambe’s net worth was estimated to be around £1 million, equivalent to approximately £10 million today when adjusted for inflation.