Who Is Edgar Bergen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Edgar Bergen was born on February 16, 1903, and sadly passed away on September 30, 1978. Though he may be gone, his influence as a pioneering figure in ventriloquism and comedy continues to resonate today. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his remarkable talent and memorable characters, most notably Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. Bergen's innovative approach to comedy not only entertained millions but also paved the way for future entertainers in the arts.
| Occupation | Ventriloquist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1903 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 30 September, 1978 |
| Died Place | Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
Popularity
Edgar Bergen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the peak of his career, Edgar Bergen stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and had a typical weight in line with his stature. While precise weight measurements are less documented, Bergen maintained a classic appearance typical of the early to mid-20th century entertainers, embodying the charm and wit that defined his public persona.
Bergen and his alter ego Charlie McCarthy were given top billing in several films, including the Technicolor extravaganza The Goldwyn Follies (1938), opposite the Ritz Brothers. That year they also appeared in You Can't Cheat an Honest Man with W. C. Fields.
At the height of their popularity in 1937, Bergen was presented an Honorary Oscar (in the form of a wooden Oscar statuette, the only wooden Oscar given so far) for his creation of Charlie McCarthy. Bergen, along with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, was also featured in the 1938 film Letter of Introduction.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Edgar Bergen was married to Francis W. Bergen from 1926 until her death in 1947. Together, they had three daughters: Cindy, Karen, and Joan, who have often reflected on their life with their father in interviews and documentaries. Bergen was known for keeping his family life relatively private, but he enjoyed a close-knit relationship with his daughters. There have been no public accounts or confirmations of any significant other or relationships after his wife's passing.
Edgar John Bergen (né Berggren; February 16, 1903 – September 30, 1978) was an American ventriloquist, comedian, actor, vaudevillian and radio performer. He was best known for his characters Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd.
Bergen pioneered modern-day ventriloquism and has been described by puppetry organization UNIMA as the “quintessential ventriloquist of the 20th century”. He was the father of actress Candice Bergen.
Net Worth and Salary
Edgar Bergen's estimated net worth at the time of his death was around $5 million, a considerable sum for a comedian of his day. Adjusted for inflation, this would translate to significantly more today. Throughout his career, Bergen earned substantial income through radio shows, film appearances, and television, securing his place as one of the highest-paid performers of his time. His legacy continues to be acknowledged through the appreciation of his recorded performances and memorabilia.
Career, Business, and Investments
Bergen's career spanned several decades, beginning in radio during the 1920s, where he became a household name. His ventriloquist acts often blended comedy with music, captivating audiences with his interactive performances. He transitioned into film, appearing in numerous movies throughout the 1930s and 1940s, which solidified his status in the entertainment industry.
In addition to live shows and cinema, Bergen's career saw him venture into television, where he hosted "The Edgar Bergen Show," further showcasing his talents. His keen business intellect enabled him to navigate various entertainment mediums successfully. Additionally, Bergen's investment in merchandise related to his characters contributed further to his financial stability.
Although his regular series never made the transition to television, Bergen made numerous appearances on the medium during his career. His first appearance was with Charlie McCarthy on NBC's pioneering television variety show Hour Glass in November 1946.
In a filmed Thanksgiving special, billed as his official TV debut, sponsored by Coca-Cola on CBS in 1950, the new character Podine Puffington was introduced; this saucy Southern belle was as tall as a real woman, in contrast to Bergen's other sit-on-the-knee sized characters.
On Christmas Day that same year, Bergen and McCarthy appeared as guests on Walt Disney's first television show, One Hour in Wonderland.
Social Network
While social media didn't exist during Bergen's life, he made a lasting impact that continues in modern pop culture. Today, numerous fan pages and tribute accounts across different social media platforms celebrate his legacy. His work is often discussed on platforms like YouTube, where classic performances can be viewed by new generations, ensuring that his comedic genius remains in the forefront of public consciousness.
His first performances were in vaudeville, at which point he legally changed his last name to the easier-to-pronounce "Bergen". He worked in one-reel movie shorts, but his real success was on the radio. He and Charlie were seen at a New York party by Elsa Maxwell for Noël Coward, who recommended them for an engagement at the famous Rainbow Room.
It was there that two producers saw Bergen and Charlie perform. They then recommended them for a guest appearance on Rudy Vallée's program.
Education
Edgar Bergen attended Northwestern University, where he originally pursued a degree in drama. Here he honed his skills in performing arts, allowing him to develop his unique style of ventriloquism that would dominate his career. His educational background laid the foundation for his innovation in entertainment.
In summary, Edgar Bergen's influence as an American ventriloquist, comedian, and actor is undeniable and continues to inspire many in the arts. Exploring his life in 2025 serves as a reminder of the richness of talent and creativity he brought to the world.
In 1941, Bergen met 18-year-old Frances Westerman, a young fashion model who had graduated from Los Angeles High School the prior year. He spotted her in the audience of his radio program, where she was the guest of one of his staff members. A long-distance courtship, spanning years, ensued. The two were married in Mexico on June 28, 1945.
