Ernest Edward Kovacs (1919 - 1962) was an American comedian, actor, and writer. Kovacs created the television comedy variety show The Ernie Kovacs Show (1952-53, 1956) and became noted for his zany slapstick sketches. He later hosted the quiz show Take a Good Look (1959-61) and acted in such films as Operation Mad Ball (1957) and Our Man in Havana (1960). Kovacs's visually experimental and often spontaneous comedic style influenced numerous television comedy programs for years after his death.