Ernie Baumann

Memories:

Ernie was one of the first actors I met here in 1975 when I took this job at Harlequin. We miss him.

Florence Bunten

I did my first play with him at the Harlequin. I was Nurse Preen to his Mr. Whiteside. He was wonderful to me. I will very much miss him and will always remember his laugh.

Kathleen Lovejoy

Ernie,
I salute you for all the great characters you brought to the San Antonio stages. And I salute you and want to say "thank you" for your service to our country, for stepping up as a young man to face the perils of a World War, and for you and your generation who literally saved the world for us some 65 years ago. If it wasn't for you and others like you, we would not be living in a free society and practicing our art the way we can today.
I know God has opened up his gates widely for you and that all of the San Antonio theatre greats who have past on are welcoming you. There will be one great cast party in heaven tonight! I truly thank you and salute you Ernie,

Steven Stoli

Being on stage with Ernie (& Alice Finney) in "A Curious Savage" in 1997 gave me a wealth of memories that still make me smile! Ernie's distinctive deep voice, his glorious laugh, his spot-on characterization of a respected, slightly befuddled doctor gave such warmth to the production. He will live on in my heart, & I'm sure in numerous other members of the San Antonio theatre family. He will be missed; he will not be forgotten.

Ayn Phillips

You were a charming Dad!

Suellen

Thanks for all your years of devotion to your country, your family, your friends and to Theatre. Your joyous nature will be missed.

Bobbie Laughter

I was lucky enough to meet Ernie as my "Sherry" in my first show at the Harlequin, "The Man Who Came to Dinner". And I was lucky, honored, and blessed to have known him as a fellow actor and incredible friend ever since. His sense of humor, sense of respect, and sense of being for himself and those around him was wonderfully infectious. Miss you Ernie.

Sherri Small Truitt

I had the pleasure of working with Ernie in an improv murder mystery group called Death by Design. When I first met him, I wondered how a man in his eighties could do this type of audience interactive improvisation. I learned during the first show to keep an eye out for Ernie...he had lighning quick reflexes and an incredible sense of comic timing. He blew me away and taught me more than a few things about improv. I was honored to have known him. May God bless his family in this sad time.

Renee Garvens

Chips and Ernie and I have been friends since the earth cooled down...........they have become my family. Playing Mrs. MacDonald to Ernie's Old MacDonald was an adventure in itself; having him sing with Cadenza Singers was a never ending, delightful surprise. I've taught music for many years and directed many choirs, but he's the first singer I ever had who sang in the key of LOUD. He'd do any song that was handed to him......."I'm Gittin Nuttin Fer Christmas," to "Would You Rather be a Colonel With An Eagle On Your Shoulder Or a Private With a Chicken On Your Knee?" His voice boomed out to the delight of hundreds of listeners. With all the roles he played, the most perfect was that of the Lone Ranger in the radio shows. This was absolute type casting.......for if there ever was a Lone Ranger, he must have been just like Ernie Baumann. He will always be a light in our dark world, and he will always be with us.......he loved us and we loved him.......and love never dies.

I first met Ernie in 'The Day They Kidnapped The Pope' and Ernie was the Pope. A wonderfully talented and gregarious person who brought an entirely new perspective to that role. His one minute nap during one portion of the show, one nite, was typical of how relaxed he was on stage. He never missed a beat when he awoke. His warm smile and quick wit made him a pleasure to be around. I don't believe he ever met a person that he didn't like. I will miss him.

Frank Williams

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ernie. I remember my first thought of Ernie was "Who is the crazy man". He was big, I do not mean of size, I mean of his spirit and his presence. He would consume any space that he occupied. It was like his spirit could not be contained within his body. Every night while doing Arsenic and Old Lace I would look forward to the blare of a trumpet and Teddies charge. My ears still ring with it this 30 something years later. Many have played that part throughout the years but I doubt any had the fire and energy of Ernie. Looking back at that time in my life I was so young and I am now Ernie's age. Somehow I never considered what his age was, he was just one of the wonderful group of my dear friends. I am sorry to have heard of the passing but I'm sure Ernie, wherever he is, is charging thru the after life with as much enthusiasm as he charged thru life.

Rick Harrison

A sad day for the San Antonio Theatre Community. Ernie was such a sweet and funny man. He was always there with a good hearty laugh and probably some of the 'dirtiest" jokes I have ever heard. Thank you for support, and the memories Ernie; and behave yourself in that great theatre in the sky! You will be missed.

Jerry Pilato

Ernie and Chips lived across the street from me when I lived on Brook Hollow. And every time Ernie would see me in my yard, he would always yell some rowdy greeting and wave. One morning very early, I was out chasing "Bubba", a stray dog I had found near my mother's house. Fortunately Bubba was not very fast, so I caught up to him easily. But as I bent over to grab his collar, the seat of my seersucker pajamas ripped right out. So there I was "mooning" all of the traffic on Brook Hollow. Ernie was one of many who got "mooned" that morning. He simply broke out into a loud rendition of "BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON" and crossed the street to save "the damsel in distress" and help capture the dog, laughing loudly all the way. That's just the kind of man he was...laughing and joking and singing songs at the top of his lungs. I never saw Ernie that he didn't have a smile on his face or a great twinkle in his eye!!

He was "a darlin' dear", a great loving bear of a man, whose laughing and singing and showmanship I will sorely miss. He would so love that we are doing a proper "Irish Wake" to celebrate his life and good times. Looking forward to seeing lots of theatre folks there.

Amy LaPresto

Whether it was his “Harumph!” or his “Scrabble Clause” or the twinkle in his eyes or the way he jumped into everything with both feet doesn’t really matter. What truly mattered with Ernie was (and is) his soul and how much he enjoyed life. I first met Ernie in 1989 at SALT and remained impressed with how much of a wonderful person he was. He had arms big enough for everyone, whether in a two-person or huge cast. Ernie became an integral part of my company, Death by Design, and for 16 years kept us in stitches both in rehearsal and in performance. He also set a very high bar for everyone else to try and attain. Ernie might be gone, but he’ll be with me in my heart forever.

David Jackson

Many memories.....Chips I hope you got our message from Mexico...I know the celebration will be moving...I repeat Ernie will direct and not have to learn lines...his ad libs were always the best....Always

Joyce and Bill Lambrecht

My first recollection of Ernie was being in a production of "The Three Cuckolds" with him at the old Fort Sam Playhouse. He played the Devil and was a mighty presence to behold emerging from a trapdoor! After that he really worked his way up, so to speak, to give many wonderful performances. RIP Ernie.

John Eubanks

I met Ernie when I was 13 years old. I knew him as “Dirty Ernie” and I thought he was cool because he was on TV. Back then he was a regular on the news for adopt a pet. I never missed a show. It wasn’t until I was much older that I solidified a real relationship with Ernie. He wasn’t really a dirty old man as he liked to be perceived as. I liken Ernie to George Burns. Recently I was reading Wisdom of the Nineties by Mr. Burns and I made the connection between Ernie Baumann and George Burns. In George Burns' book he speaks about Gracie and how his persona with women and dirty jokes was just his MO, he was totally devoted to Gracie who was truly the only woman for him. When I got to know Chips I knew immediately that she was Ernie’s Gracie. His “Dirty Ernie persona” was just that… a persona. It was just an act, just for fun. I had a new found respect for Ernie through his relationship with Chips. Then he presented me with a business card with the title of “noted authority” and I thought what could this guy possibly be an authority on???? As it turns out, quite a lot. Ernie gave me a historical frame of reference that I couldn’t have paid for in any school. From his personal experiences I learned about life during the depression, I had first had knowledge of the war from a soldier’s point of view. Ernie was a patriot, a humanitarian, a teacher and an artist. He was also a lot of fun to be around. I will forever treasure the life lessons Ernie gave me. I cannot remember a time in the San Antonio Theatre Community without Ernie Bauman. I have a 20 year history with Ernie but I will treasure my memories with Ernie for my entire life. There is a hole in my soul which can never be replaced. When I think of Ernie, I will always smile and then smirk.

God bless Ernie and please take care of my good friend who deserves a special seat in heaven.

Sincerely,
Shelly Chance

Ernie, Ernie, Ernie….Where do I begin?

I have shared the boards with Ernie many times and each was pleasure. I have heard so many stories and relived his life so many times…at my prompting…and each time walked away with knowledge only someone who was there could have given. I learned about the war, the depression and the deep devotion a man could have for a woman. I have been in dressing rooms where everyone was complaining about his significant other…except Ernie. I remember thinking how wonderful it must be to truly love his wife. Chips was his strength, his passion and his reason for living. How happy his life must have been. When Allan and Teri Ross were kind enough to throw Shelly and me an engagement party, he gave us a toast wherein he wished us the happiness he had shared with Chips for 60 years. I hope that comes true.

Then there were his sons whom he thought the world of. He spoke of them often. Add them to Chips and he was a happy man who lead a happy life. There was one show we did when he told me he considered me a son as well. I have had no greater honor.

My fondest memory of working with Ernie was when we were doing Finnian’s Rainbow. Ernie was playing Senator Billboard Rawkins. He was costumed like Colonel Saunders. So naturally, on closing night, he descended the flowing staircase carrying two buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken. I loved him from that moment on.

Our last show together was Defying Gravity. When we weren’t messing with each other on stage we certainly were off stage. It was nothing but fun.

Oh Ernie, I’ll miss you so much. You were my tutor, my confidant and my friend. Good bye, noted authority. God bless you forever.

Donnie Neubauer

The first time I met Ernie I had gone backstage at the Harlequin to see some friends in their show. When I walked in Ernie was delivering the punchline to a joke that left everyone in stitches. Now, deprived of Ernie's talent and wit, I wish I had walked in a little earlier and shared one more of his jokes. We will miss you Ernie.

Paul Lydston, Jr

To my dear darlin’ Dirty Ernie,

One of the very 1st shows I did in San Antonio was lo these many years. You were Teddy, I was Aunt Martha, and Alice Finney was Aunt Abby in the Harlequin Dinner Theatre production of “Arsenic & Old Lace”. Along with Chris Champlin, Harry Huff, Rick Harrison, and several other fortunate ones, we shared with you what theatre is all about. I will cherish that memory as well as the more recent appearance on stage with you in “Twigs”. I thank you for being the “one who got it” when we wrote in our 20th wedding anniversary 12 years ago: “dress appropriately”—you showed up in that tuxedo, red cummerbund & red bowtie, with no shirt—what a hoot! I will rejoice in the laughter, joy, and magic moments of your presence; and that will help me not to miss you so much. Bruce & I send our love, prayers, & best thoughts to Chips & your family.

Love,

Sherrie Shirky

I had the pleasure of meeting Ernie through the Extended Run Players. Ernie was a unique personality with a wonderful laugh and sense of humor. I am so glad to have known him and to have played "Silver" to his Lone Ranger. My prayers are with the Baumann family.

Jillian Villejo