Edgar Bergen was an American actor and writer, best known for his work in Fun and Fancy Free (1947), The Muppet Movie (1979), and Letter of Introduction (1938). He was notable for being a talented ventriloquist and for his memorable dummies, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd.
Personal and Family Life
Edgar Bergen was born on February 16, 1903, in Chicago, Illinois. He was married to Frances Bergen from June 23, 1945, until his death, and the couple had two children, Kris and Candice Bergen. His family background included his parents, Johan and Nilla Berggren, who were of Swedish descent. Bergen’s career began in the early 1920s, leading him to become a famous radio personality and a successful actor.
Death and Legacy
Edgar Bergen passed away on September 30, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada, due to kidney disease. He left behind a rich legacy in the field of ventriloquism and comedy, influencing many performers who followed. Bergen’s work has been celebrated over the years, and he is remembered not just for his talents, but also for his generous demeanor and engaging performances.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
The Muppet Movie
1979-06-22
Himself / Charlie McCarthy (voice)
Pure Feud
1934-04-20
Edgar Albert Appletree
You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man
1939-02-17
The Great Edgar
I Remember Mama
1948-03-09
Mr. Thorkelson
Fun and Fancy Free
1947-09-27
Himself / Charlie McCarthy / Mortimer Snerd
Hollywood Handicap
1938-05-28
Himself
A Neckin’ Party
1937-09-04
Edgar Bergen
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story
1971-12-19
Ebenezer Walton
The Hanged Man
1964-11-18
Hotel Clerk
Here We Go Again
1942-10-09
Edgar Bergen
Letter of Introduction
1938-08-05
Himself
The Eyes Have It
1931-10-01
Dr. Wilbur Grant
At the Races
1934-07-20
Rogue’s Gallery
1968-01-01
Roy Benz
Nut Guilty
1936-11-21
Judge Bergen
Look Who’s Laughing
1941-11-21
Edgar Bergen / Charlie McCarthy (voice)
Free and Easy
1931-10-01
Professor
Song of the Open Road
1944-06-21
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy, Detective
1939-12-22
Himself
All American Drawback
1935-10-05
Coach Bergen
Double Talk
1937-06-26
Dr. Bergen
The Goldwyn Follies
1938-02-04
Edgar Bergen
Captain China
1950-02-02
Mr. Haasvelt
Bring on the Girls
1937-03-06
Himself
Africa Speaks — English
1933-02-06
Uncle
The Operation
1930-02-17
Doctor Bruce Langdon
One Hour in Wonderland
1950-12-25
Himself / Charlie McCarthy / Mortimer Snerd
The Office Scandal
1930-12-09
Two Boobs in a Balloon
1935-05-05
Professor Cicero Pu
Cavalcade of the Academy Awards
1940-07-31
Self (archive footage)
Show-Business at War
1943-05-21
Self
Stage Door Canteen
1943-06-24
Edgar Bergen
Walt Disney’s Fables – Vol.6
2004-05-31
Narrator (Mickey and the Beanstalk) (voice) (archive sound)
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