Edgar Bergen Quotes

Powerful Edgar Bergen for Daily Growth

About Edgar Bergen

Edgar John Bergen (February 16, 1903 – September 28, 1978) was an American ventriloquist, comedian, radio personality, and film actor, best known for his long-running collaboration with the character Charlie McCarthy. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bergen displayed a natural talent for mimicry and ventriloquism from a young age. In 1925, he won a national ventriloquist competition and began touring vaudeville circuits, eventually performing alongside stars like Will Rogers and Jack Benny. Bergen's career took off in the late 1930s with his radio shows on CBS, including "The Chase and Sanborn Hour," where he introduced Charlie McCarthy, a wooden dummy with a quick wit and biting sarcasm. The duo became an instant sensation, their conversations marked by Charlie's sharp humor and Bergen's straight man role. In 1940, Bergen and Charlie McCarthy made the transition to films with "Reality and His Wife," launching a successful career in Hollywood. Over the next decade, they appeared in several movies, including "The Goldwyn Follies" (1938) and "Mother Goose Land" (1940). Bergen also ventured into television with his show "The Edgar Bergen-Cathy Lewis Show," which aired from 1950 to 1967. Throughout his career, Bergen was influenced by artists such as Eddie Cantor and Will Rogers. He is credited with popularizing ventriloquism and bringing it into mainstream entertainment. His contributions were recognized in 1946 when he became the first non-musical act to win an Emmy Award. Edgar Bergen passed away in 1978, leaving behind a lasting legacy in comedy and ventriloquism. Notable quotes from Bergen include: - "I personally think that puppets are people too." - "You can't afford the luxury of being dull when you're dead." - "Charlie McCarthy is one of the most complex characters I ever created, and he's easier to handle than a live actress!"

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I found that the best possible way to prepare for life is to be a child."

This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of curiosity, wonder, and innocence throughout one's life. As children, we are open-minded, eager to learn, and unafraid to ask questions. By keeping these qualities as adults, we can better prepare ourselves for the unpredictable nature of life. The quote encourages us to stay receptive, adaptable, and flexible in our approach to life's challenges. In essence, being a child represents an attitude of continuous learning and growth, ready to face life with enthusiasm and optimism.


"A smile is happiness you'll find right up under your nose."

This quote emphasizes that true joy can be found in simple, everyday experiences, such as smiling. It suggests that we have the power to discover our own happiness within ourselves, without needing grandiose or elaborate circumstances. The smile referred to is not only a physical expression but also a symbol of positivity and contentment. In essence, it encourages us to find our happiness by looking inward and appreciating the small yet profound moments in life.


"Laughter is the sunbeam of the soul."

This quote by Edgar Bergen suggests that laughter, much like sunbeams, brings a sense of warmth and positivity to our souls. Just as sunbeams illuminate and brighten our surroundings, laughter has the power to uplift our mood and dispel darkness or negativity within us. It's a reminder that even in difficult times, moments of joy and laughter can help bring light and cheer to our lives.


"The secret of a good act is to make it look as if you didn't put it together, that it just happened."

Edgar Bergen's quote suggests that a successful performance or creation appears effortless and spontaneous, rather than contrived or deliberate. The idea is to present the end result in such a way that it seems like an organic and natural occurrence, not something painstakingly planned or rehearsed. This often leads to more authentic, engaging, and memorable work.


"I think every ventriloquist should have a wooden partner because they really are our best friends."

Edgar Bergen, renowned ventriloquist, expresses in this quote that his wooden partners, or dummy puppets, are his most valued companions. In the context of his profession, these dolls serve as an extension of himself, helping him entertain audiences with their dialogues and personalities. Metaphorically, it also suggests a deep emotional bond between Bergen and his creations, as they help him express ideas and feelings that might be difficult to convey otherwise.


So many people are working in vaudeville today that I looked for three weeks to book enough acts for an hour bill and didn't have them until the night before we opened in Buffalo and money was no object!

- Edgar Bergen

Book, Before, Weeks, Object

I've never told you the story of Alice in Wonderland, have I?

- Edgar Bergen

Never, You, Alice, Wonderland

Hey kid, do you want to come and talk to Charlie?

- Edgar Bergen

Kid, Want, Come, Hey

Show me where Stalin is buried and I'll show you a Communist Plot.

- Edgar Bergen

Plot, Communist, Show, Stalin

You find out your mistakes from an audience that pays admission.

- Edgar Bergen

Mistakes, Audience, Find, Pays

Nobody seems to know yet how television is going to affect the radio, movies, love, housekeeping or the church, but it has definitely revived vaudeville.

- Edgar Bergen

Love, Television, Going, Vaudeville

After 13 years of life on the half shell in Hollywood, I have made a trip where I wasn't a tourist.

- Edgar Bergen

Hollywood, Made, Half, Shell

But Charlie, Charlie, how can we ever really know anything? Charlie, what or who is God?

- Edgar Bergen

Know, How, Ever, Charlie

I was asking Charlie the most important questions, and you heard the answers.

- Edgar Bergen

Important, Asking, Most, Charlie

Well, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

- Edgar Bergen

Friend, Need, Well, Indeed

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