Edgar Bergen (February 16, 1903–September 30, 1978) was an American ventriloquist, actor, comedian, and radio performer. He is best known for his characters Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, which he created and used in countless performances. Bergen was also a successful film and television actor, appearing in numerous movies and TV shows throughout his career. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest ventriloquists of all time.
Bergen was born in Chicago, Illinois. He began performing as a ventriloquist at a young age and eventually went on to perform in vaudeville and on Broadway. In the 1930s, he became a national star with his radio show "The Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Show". The show was a huge success and ran for nearly two decades. During the show, Bergen would perform sketches and jokes with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, who were both made of wood and operated by Bergen.
In addition to his radio show, Bergen also appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. He made his film debut in 1938 in the movie "You Can't Take It With You". He also appeared in the movies "Stage Door" (1937), "A Night at the Opera" (1935), and "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). Bergen continued to perform on television until the 1970s. He died in 1978 at the age of 75.
Bergen was a true pioneer of the art of ventriloquism. He helped to bring the art form to the mainstream and made it a popular form of entertainment. He was also a skilled comedian and actor, and his performances were always entertaining and engaging. Bergen is a true icon of American entertainment and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.