Ernie Kovacs

Birth Name:

Ernest Edward Kovacs

Birth Place:

Trenton, New Jersey, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer, Producer, Soundtrack

Earned a scholarship to the John Drew Memorial Theater in Long Island and another to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Began his television career at WPTZ-TV in Philadelphia on an afternoon cooking program called "Deadline for Dinner," which he soon nicknamed "Dead Lions for Breakfast" and turned into his own comedy show
First became interested in acting during elementary school, appearing in plays at Miss Bowen's Private School in Trenton, New Jersey
A friend helped him get an interview for a staff announcer position at the Trenton radio station WTTM, hosting a late-night DJ show from 1941 to 1950
Published the novel "Zoomar" in 1957, a satire about the television industry with thinly-veiled references to his friends that caused much controversy
Best known as a comedian who had his own television series and appeared in the films "Operation Mad Ball" and "Our Man in Havana․"
First launched "The Ernie Kovacs Show" on CBS in 1952 and was re-launched on NBC in 1955
In the 1940s he wrote a column for the newspaper The Trentonian and was the master of ceremonies for wrestling matches at the Trenton Armory
The final episode of "The Ernie Kovacs Show" was aired ten days after his death without commercials as a homage by ABC

1957Primetime Emmy - Best Continuing Performance by a Comedian in a Series:Nominated
1957Primetime Emmy - Best Comedy Writing - Variety or Situation Comedy:Nominated
1958Primetime Emmy - Best Comedy Writing:Nominated
1959Golden Laurel - Top Male Comedy Performance:Nominated
1962DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television:Winner

Fast Facts