Biography

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.

His sudden death, along with Tommy Cooper's, inspired Ronnie Barker to retire at the age of 59 rather than work himself into an early grave.

After appearing on their first television show, Running Wild (1954), Morecambe and Wise received many highly critical and derogatory reviews in newspapers, one of which said "Definition of Television - the box they buried Morecambe and Wise in". Eric carried a cutting of that review in his wallet for the rest of his life.

Avidly involved with charity work on behalf of heart research.

His hobbies included photography and twitching (bird watching).

I know this great Doctor, if you're at Death's Door he'll pull you through!

[1977 Radio Times Christmas issue] We've always admired Abbott and Costello. They were the double act of the time.

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.

I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order.

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.