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I was brought up to despise Bernard, but around 7-8 years ago, for some reason had a look into this horrible mans act, and background and found myself studying quite extensively, the working class, self-made millionaire.
He was actually unfairly treated because of his act.
The key word to remember here IS the word act - that's all it was, an act.
His family never heard him swear at home.
He was brought up as a Catholic and so was his son.
His fathers uncles/great uncles Natham and Myer were Russian Jews.
He flew a young Asian child for treatment costing circa £100,000
He didn't raise thousands for charity, he actually raised millions of pounds for charity.
What Mr Manning did, was put bums on seats. People liked his act.
Some of his jokes were very close to the bone, but not as nasty as the likes of Jimmy Carr, a comedian I like, but sometimes he goes too far.
I suppose some might say Bernard was a racist, but he told jokes about everyone and I know of Jewish people that would attend The Embassy Club and felt drunk on laughter because his jokes were non stop, but also funny.
Bernard would be invited to barmitzphas, he worked with Clive LLoyd, Faruq Engineer and John Conte to name a few.
Below, is a picture of my right-hand man, my partner in crime, my best mate.
He would go to the Embassy club with some other black guys to see Bernard.
They didn't have to go, they went because they thought Bernard provided a great night out.
Sure, he ribbed them on and off throughout the night, but the guys loved the show and a bottle of champagne on their table from Bernard.
I suppose one has to say Bernard was a racist because he told racist jokes, but people laughed at the gags whether they were about them or not.
Like it or not, Bernard was a funny guy and quite a good singer to boot.
One night, Bernard invited my mate (above) on to the stage to have his photograph taken.
He asked where he lived.
Around a week or so later, the photo was delivered to my mates house. Not many wealthy showbiz people could be bothered with that sort of thing, but, Bernard was a man of his word.
Bernard was also a soft touch. If someone came to his door with a problem and he could help out (usually financially) he would do so.
His son recalls this and says Bernard was probably hoodwinked quite a few times, but he was happy as long as he had helped out those in genuine need.
Bernard performed an act, that filled theatres and clubs.
He was a Royal Command Performer no less and commented that meeting Princess Anne was like shaking hands with Red Rum.
He did a short stint at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and they wanted him to stay for 6 months which would have netted him more money than he did at The Embassy in 6 years, but he declined the offer to be at home with his friends and family.
He did crack some nasty gags and do the occasional silly thing, but at heart Manning was actually quite a good egg.
Performers are performers doing things that please an audience. That doesn't mean that they are like that off stage.
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