Pioneer television comedian Ernie Kovacs was killed in an automobile accident in 
Los Angeles in the early morning hours of January 13, 1962. After a light southern California rainstorm, Kovacs apparently lost control of his Chevrolet Corvair Station wagon while negotiating a turn, and crashed into a power pole located at the corner
of Beverly Glen and Santa Monica Boulevards. He died almost instantly from chest
and head injuries. Kovacs was 42.

Ernie Kovacs was more than just another comedian,he was television’s first significant video artist. He was also its first surrealist and its most daring and imaginative writer.

           
                            Ernie’s grave marker at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles

Ernie Kovacs influenced many comedians and their
shows because of his experimental, uninhibited and 
often adlibbed style of television comedy. Ernie and
his wife Edie Adams received Emmy nominations for
Best Performances in a Comedy Series in 1957. Much
of Kovacs’ talent wasn’t fully recognized until after his
death in an automobile accident, January 13, 1962 in
Los Angles. He was only 42. 
 

                             Ernie and The Nairobi Trio

                      Ernie as Percy Dovetonsils

              Ernie Kovacs and wife Edie Adams