Ernest Wiseman OBE, better known by his stage name of Ernie Wise, was an English comedian, best known as one half of the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, who became an institution on British television, especially for their Christmas specials.

Ernie started in show business with his father Harry in music hall. They appeared together under the name “Bert Carson and his Little Wonder”. In 1939, while still a teenager, he appeared with top British comedian Arthur Askey in his famous Bandwagon show. In 1941 he joined forces with Eric Morecambe and they became one of the greatest comedy double acts of all time. They made their name in radio, transferring to television in 1955.

Over a period of nearly twenty years, they had regular series with both ITV and BBC. In 1976, they were both appointed OBEs. Ernie Wise died of a heart attack at Nuffield Hospital Gerrards Cross, Wexham Street, Buckinghamshire at the age of 73, following a series of heart problems over the years.