Tragic Details About Morecambe and Wise That They Tried to Hide

The old adage, "the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows," aptly describes the legendary British comedy duo Morecambe and Wise. Despite bringing laughter and joy to millions during their illustrious careers, the pair faced a series of tragic details and untold stories behind the scenes.

Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise are celebrated as two of the United Kingdom's most cherished entertainers, but their offstage lives were marked by turbulence. A significant rift between their wives, Doreen Blythe and Joan Bartlett, complicated their partnership. Doreen's belief that Ernie was the star of the show and Eric would flounder without him led to separate lives offstage.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Clash of the Wives
01:55 - Defying the Odds
03:52 - Fear of Switching Off
06:16 - Many Episodes Have Been Lost
07:18 - The Show Was A Favorite of the Queen and Prince Phillip
08:05 - Outro

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The duo, who began their career in 1941, were not seen as a guaranteed success by BBC executives. A 1959 letter by scriptwriter John Ammonds even suggested that Eric Morecambe would find more success solo. However, Morecambe and Wise overcame early challenges and solidified their place in British comedy history.

Despite their close bond, the pair had an unspoken agreement not to socialize outside of work. The pressures of stardom weighed heavily on Eric Morecambe, who feared switching off, believing he might never switch back on. His constant need to entertain took a toll on his health, leading to a heart attack in 1968 at age 42.

Talented writer Eddie Braben revamped Morecambe and Wise's onstage personas, adding a new dimension to their act. However, by the late 1970s, repetition and a misguided move to Thames Television led to a decline in quality material and Eric's health. After a second heart attack in 1979, Eric considered a future outside of comedy, but the fear of work drying up kept him from walking away.

In the end, the once-joyful rehearsals became arduous, and their belief in one final hit faded. The darker side of their lives serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these beloved entertainers.

Tragic Details About Morecambe and Wise That They Tried to Hide