Ernie Kovacs was a noted American comedian and writer, remembered as much for his crazy slapstick sketches as for his visually experimental style. Although his talent was not fully recognized during his lifetime, he was later credited as an influence by many well-known comedians and artists. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Art in Manhattan, he began his career at the age of 22, serving as an announcer and disc jockey at a radio station in his hometown, Trenton. Nine years later, he moved to Philadelphia to work for WPTZ, a television station. He was assigned as the host of an early morning show, which became very popular in spite of airing during odd hours. Later, Kovacs moved to New York City, where he continued doing television shows. At the age of 35, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he appeared both on big and small screen until his death in a car accident at the age of 42.