Bernard Manning Quotes

Powerful Bernard Manning for Daily Growth

About Bernard Manning

Bernard Manning (February 3, 1930 – April 16, 2007) was a British stand-up comedian, television personality, and impresario, renowned for his provocative and controversial humor. Born in Manchester, England, Manning grew up in a working-class family and left school at the age of 14 to work as an errand boy. Manning's comedy career began in the late 1950s when he started performing at local clubs in Manchester. His act, which often targeted ethnic minorities and the politically correct, was controversial and divisive, earning him both criticism and admiration. Manning's unique style of humor, characterized by his brash and unapologetic delivery, found a devoted audience among working-class Britons who appreciated his no-nonsense approach to comedy. In the 1970s, Manning achieved national fame in the United Kingdom with appearances on television shows such as "Opportunity Knocks" and "The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club." He went on to host his own television series, "Bernard Manning's Comedy Empire," which ran for several years. Manning's major works include numerous comedy albums and live performances, such as "In Concert" (1976) and "Live in Los Angeles" (2003). He also wrote two autobiographies: "Bernard Manning: The Biggest Entertainer the North Ever Produced" (1984) and "Totally Minding My Own Business" (2005). Despite his controversial reputation, Bernard Manning left an indelible mark on British comedy. His brash, unapologetic style paved the way for a generation of comedians who were unafraid to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. Manning's legacy continues to be debated and analyzed, with some viewing him as a pioneer of working-class humor and others criticizing his racially charged jokes.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm not a racist, I just don't like people."

This quote reflects a mindset that views all individuals as homogeneous masses, rather than unique human beings deserving of respect and understanding. The speaker claims to not have racial prejudice but instead dislikes all people indiscriminately, which can be seen as a form of generalized intolerance and lack of empathy. This mindset often stems from a closed-minded perspective and is detrimental to fostering meaningful relationships and promoting inclusivity. It's important to remember that every person has their own distinct qualities, experiences, and stories that deserve recognition and appreciation.


"You know who else wears glasses? A bloody waiter bringing me drinks!"

In this quote, Bernard Manning is humorously expressing surprise or annoyance at seeing a waiter wearing glasses while serving him drinks. The implication is that the waiter's profession doesn't seem to require the need for glasses, as he might expect someone in a more intellectual or professional role to be the one who wears glasses. It's a playful and lighthearted observation, typical of Manning's comedic style.


"It's not my fault if you're offended by the truth."

This quote suggests that one should not be held responsible for causing offense, as long as they are expressing an honest or truthful opinion. It implies a belief that the individual has a right to share their genuine thoughts without fear of upsetting others, as the responsibility for taking offense lies with the person receiving the information. However, it's important to note that this perspective can lead to misunderstandings and lack of empathy, as people may be less inclined to consider how their words might impact others or choose to be deliberately insensitive.


"You can tell a lot about a woman from her hands. For instance, how old she is and whether she's ever been married."

This quote by Bernard Manning suggests that a person can infer certain characteristics about a woman, specifically her age and marital status, based on the appearance of her hands. The implication is that the signs of aging or the presence of a wedding ring might be visible in her hands. It implies a focus on superficial judgments rather than deeper qualities or characteristics.


"I've never understood why people look up to professional footballers - they're no better than me!"

The quote suggests that Bernard Manning, a British comedian, believes there is an overvaluation of professional football players by the public, as he sees them as not being fundamentally different or superior from himself or regular people. He implies that this perception may stem from the fame and wealth associated with the profession, rather than any inherent qualities or abilities possessed by these athletes.


I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included.

- Bernard Manning

Christmas, Note, Set, Included

I'm glad I'm not bisexual. I couldn't stand being rejected by men as well as women.

- Bernard Manning

Men, Glad, Rejected, Bisexual

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