TikTok video by The Morecambe & Wise Archive

YouTube video by joe mckechnie

YouTube video by Peter Cushing Appreciation Society

May 14 2026 marks the centenary of the birth of Eric Morecambe, one half of the iconic British comedy double act Morecambe and Wise. Known as 'the funny one' alongside Ernie Wise's straight man, Eric brought anarchic energy, sharp timing, and northern wit to television screens across Britain during the 1960s and 1970s. Their theme tune, Bring Me Sunshine, became synonymous with light-hearted entertainment that provided welcome relief in a drab post-war era. The BBC is commemorating the occasion by broadcasting a recently rediscovered lost episode from their 1968 series. Morecambe and Wise rose from music hall roots and talent shows in the 1940s. After wartime service and early radio success, they overcame a difficult television debut to become household names. Their work on ATV's Two of a Kind and later BBC programmes featured spontaneous improvisation, slapstick, and the breaking of the fourth wall, often drawing on influences from Laurel and Hardy. Famous sketches, such as the 1971 André Previn conductor routine and the 1976 breakfast sketch, showcased Eric's ability to create chaos while maintaining professionalism. Celebrity guests, from Glenda Jackson to newsreader Angela Rippon, frequently appeared in their Christmas specials, adding to the shows' enduring appeal. Despite attempts to conquer America, their humour remained quintessentially British. Eric's health struggles, including heart attacks, eventually led to his untimely death in 1984 at the age of 58. His legacy lies in the joy and sunshine he delivered through live performance and television, with the duo's Christmas specials still repeated today. The affection for Morecambe and Wise continues through statues, books, and documentaries, reflecting their status as a British cultural institution.