You are in > manchester.com  > News > Manchester's Bernard Manning dies in hospital

General Manchester news

Manchester's Bernard Manning dies in hospital

19/06/2007

Controversial Mancunian comedian Bernard Manning died yesterday at the age of 76.

The comic, famous for his politically-incorrect jokes, died yesterday at North Manchester General Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for a kidney condition for the past two weeks.

Earlier this month, Ancoats-born Manning was forced to cancel a gig at the Embassy club in Harpurhey for the first time in 60 years because of ill health.

Manning shot to fame in the 1970s with the ensemble TV programme The Comedians, although he continued to perform in working men's clubs in Manchester.

However, his treatment of religion, ethnicity and women in his shows offended many people and as a result he was often banned from venues around the country.

Despite his ongoing battle with those who wished to consign him to the dustbin of history, Manning was named as the 29th best British stand-up comic by Channel 4 earlier this year.

Frank Carson, who worked with Manning on The Comedians, said: "The only people that misunderstood him were those people who didn't have a sense of humour.

"We had a great laugh together. That sense of humour overpowered everyone. He put bums on seats."


© Adfero Ltd