Eric Morecambe

Eric Morecambe — Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Eric Morecambe — the life and career of British comedy legend, best known as half of Morecambe & Wise. Discover his biography, achievements, legacy, and most beloved quotations.

Introduction

Eric Morecambe remains one of Britain’s most fondly remembered and beloved comedians. Born John Eric Bartholomew on 14 May 1926 and passing away in 1984, his comedic partnership with Ernie Wise defined an era of British television and variety entertainment. Their signature show, The Morecambe & Wise Show, drew audiences in the tens of millions and still resonates in the public memory today. Through humor, warmth, and an unforgettable rapport with his partner and with viewers, Morecambe’s legacy continues to inspire comedians, fans, and historians alike.

Early Life and Family

John Eric Bartholomew was born into a working-class family in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, on 14 May 1926.

Sadie, in particular, encouraged Eric’s talents. She raised funds for his dancing and performance lessons, believing in his potential from an early age.

Eric later adopted the stage name “Morecambe”—a tribute to his home town.

He was also the nephew of Jack Bartholomew, a rugby league player.

Youth and Education

From a young age, Eric showed an inclination toward performance, especially dancing and entertaining.

It was during a touring revue, Youth Takes a Bow, organised by Jack Hylton, that Eric met Ernest Wiseman (Ernie Wise), who was already in the show. Encouraged by the pair’s compatibility and by Eric’s mother, the two arranged a comedy double act.

When World War II deepened, their partnership was temporarily interrupted. Ernie Wise joined the Merchant Navy, while Eric was conscripted as a Bevin Boy, working in coal mines in Accrington, beginning in May 1944.

After the war, they reunited and resumed their partnership, refining their act through variety theatres, touring, and radio work.

Career and Achievements

Early Variety, Radio & Television Beginnings

In the years following the war, Morecambe and Wise performed in variety theatres, on radio, and in touring shows.

Their first television venture was Running Wild (1954), which did not meet critical success, but taught them important lessons.

They returned to live performance to sharpen their material. Later, via the ITV network (via ATV), they starred in Two of a Kind from 1961, which also featured guest stars and was later broadcast in parts of North America.

The BBC Era & Peak Success

In 1968, the duo returned to the BBC, this time working with writer Eddie Braben and producer John Ammonds. Under Braben’s pen, their dynamic evolved: Ernie played an egotistical, naive comic who wasn’t always “funny,” while Eric, in effect, became a comedic straight man—yet was the humorous force.

The Christmas specials became a national institution. The 1977 Christmas show is estimated to have drawn over 28 million viewers — a staggering figure for UK television.

Eric and Ernie were appointed OBEs in 1976, recognising their contributions to British entertainment.

Later Years, Health Challenges, and Diversification

In 1978, the pair left the BBC to work with Thames Television, producing further specials and performances.

However, Eric’s health issues increasingly shaped his later career. He suffered a heart attack in 1968, another in 1979 (leading to bypass surgery), and ultimately collapsed backstage in 1984 from a fatal heart attack just after a performance.

In his later years, he explored writing and acting outside the duo. He published Mr Lonely (1981) and The Reluctant Vampire (1982), among other works.

The last Morecambe & Wise show was their 1983 Christmas special, and Eric’s final onscreen performance was in the television movie Night Train to Murder (screened posthumously in 1985).

Historical Milestones & Context

• The Morecambe & Wise partnership lasted over four decades (1941–1984).

• Their Christmas specials and weekly shows became part of British cultural rituals, particularly in the 1970s.

• The show’s writing, especially under Eddie Braben, significantly shifted the comedy landscape by deepening character interplay and situational humor rather than mere gags.

• The show itself was ranked among the “100 Greatest British Television Programmes”, confirming its profound cultural footprint.

• After Eric’s death, Ernie Wise continued in public life — as a raconteur, guest at award shows, and guardian of their combined legacy — though the glory days were largely in the past.

Legacy and Influence

Eric Morecambe’s influence endures in many ways:

• Statues and Memorials: In 1999, a statue of Morecambe was unveiled in his home town by Queen Elizabeth II.

• Cultural Memory: Catchphrases from the duo, such as “Tea, Ern?”, “You can say that again,” and “What do you think of it so far?” remain part of the British comedic lexicon.

• Stage and Play Adaptations: The life of Morecambe has been dramatized in theatre productions, preserving his story for new audiences.

• Inspiration for Comedians: Generations of British comedians cite Morecambe’s timing, warmth, and ability to meld silliness with sincerity as inspirational models.

• Preservation of Memorabilia: In recent years, Morecambe’s personal items, including his glasses, pipe, letters, and scripts, have surfaced in auctions, offering tangible connections to his life and era.

• Recognition Among Greats: In a 2002 BBC poll of the “100 Greatest Britons,” Morecambe was named among the top figures in British public life.

Thus, his legacy is not just in laughter but in lasting affection, influence, and remembrance.

Personality and Talents

Eric Morecambe combined qualities that made him uniquely endearing and unforgettable:

• Warmth and Empathy: He projected an everyman quality: mischievous, self-effacing, and beloved of audiences, rather than distant or aloof.

• Physical Comedy & Timing: His skills in pantomime, facial expression, gestural humor, and precise comedic timing were central to his appeal.

• Improvisation & Wit: Eric was adept at in-the-moment quips and handling audience interaction, merging spontaneity with rehearsal.

• Partnership Sensitivity: His chemistry with Ernie Wise was grounded in mutual respect and strong interpersonal awareness, allowing them to play off each other beautifully.

• Resilience & Work Ethic: Despite serious health setbacks, he continued to perform, tour, and publish, demonstrating dedication to his craft.

• Passion Outside Comedy: Notably, he was a keen birdwatcher—a hobby he cherished in private life.

Famous Quotes of Eric Morecambe

Eric Morecambe’s humor often came succinctly in one-liners or witty asides. Here are some of his best-known quotations:

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

2. “My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him of course he could, so long as he didn’t take it out of my garden.”

3. “I’ve got a lot of friends who are married … I don’t know what they’re laughing at.”

4. “We had not had time to establish ourselves as a double act before Ernie joined the Merchant Navy; I teamed up with the brother of the late Dave Morris.”

These lines reflect his playful self-mockery, teasing of domesticity, and ability to turn ordinary situations into comedic gold.

Lessons from Eric Morecambe

From his life and work, we can extract enduring lessons:

• Collaboration is powerful: Morecambe & Wise’s bond shows how partnership, when grounded in trust and complementary skills, can amplify success.

• Resilience amid adversity: Eric faced health crises but adapted his life and career to continue performing and creating.

• Humility and approachability: His ability to remain grounded, even as fame grew, kept him close to audiences.

• Craft matters: Beneath the jokes lay careful timing, structure, rehearsal — humor is both art and skill.

• Legacy is maintained by memory and respect: Even decades after his death, the affection with which audiences recall him demonstrates that artistry, when genuine, endures.

Conclusion

Eric Morecambe’s life was, in many ways, like one of his routines: full of heart, wit, occasional missteps, but always with an invitation to share laughter. He turned everyday moments—household objects, neighborly requests, music hall tropes—into comedy that could unite millions around a television screen. Through his partnership with Ernie Wise, his resilience despite health struggles, and his gift for connection, he has earned a place among the defining figures of British entertainment.

If you’re inspired by his humor or want to explore more timeless quotes and moments from Morecambe & Wise, I’d be happy to help you dive deeper.