Sylvester Wiere, a talented and charismatic performer, was born in Prague in 1910, inheriting a rich family tradition in show business. As the youngest of three brothers, he was part of a family with a long history of entertaining audiences. In 1922, at the tender age of twelve, Sylvester, along with his brothers Herbert and Harry, formed the Wiere Brothers comedy act, and their journey as performers began. They started performing in theatres and on stages, honing their skills and perfecting their craft.
The Wiere Brothers' act was a unique blend of music, dance, acrobatics, and comedy, which quickly gained popularity. They were known for their exceptional talent, being able to play numerous instruments, sing, dance, and perform acrobatics, all while maintaining their comedic timing. Their act was a headliner on the theatre and night club circuit, and they even made appearances in films, although these were not as frequent as they would have liked.
Sylvester's first film appearance was in Vogues of 1938 (1937),and he went on to appear in several more films, including Swing Shift Maisie (1943),Hands Across the Border (1944),Road to Rio (1947),and Double Trouble (1967),starring the legendary Elvis Presley. In 1960, CBS commissioned a television series starring the Wiere Brothers, titled Oh! Those Bells (1962),which was initially directed by the renowned Jules White, former director of the Three Stooges. Although the show was not renewed after its first season, it showcased the brothers' comedic talents and versatility.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Wiere Brothers continued to appear in night clubs and regularly on television, entertaining audiences with their unique blend of comedy, music, and acrobatics. Sylvester, in particular, was known for his outrageous acrobatic feats, often performing daring stunts that left audiences in awe.
Tragically, Sylvester's life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack and passed away unexpectedly in July 1970. After his death, his brothers, Harry and Herbert, went into semi-retirement, but continued to work occasionally in television and on stage. Harry Wiere passed away in January 1992, and Herbert Wiere retired in 1996, passing away three years later. Despite their passing, the Wiere Brothers' legacy lives on, remembered for their incredible talent, infectious humor, and unforgettable performances.
