Character actor Ernie Bourne, best known as `Fester Fumble' in the
ABC children's show Adventure Island, has died, aged 76.

Bourne was an all-round performer appearing in television, stage and
film.

Television audiences saw him appear in Blue Heelers, Thunderstone,
and Good Guys, Bad Guys. He played the ongoing role of Mervin Pringle
in Prisoner (pictured), and played the role of Rob Lewis in
Neighbours. His CV includes a string of classic Australian shows
including Homicide, Matlock Police, Division 4, Cash & Company,
Bluey, Cop Shop and Carson's Law.

In 1967 Mr Bourne appeared in the first ever sitcom produced by ATV0
Melbourne, Hey You as conman claiming to be an ex-army sergeant.

His film credits included Gallipoli, Quigley Down Under, The True
Story of Eskimo Nell, The Picture Show Man, Squizzy Taylor and Libido.

He also appeared in many stage musicals, playing Mordichai in Fiddler
On The Roof opposite Topol, and he created the role of Maurice in the
Australian production of Disney's Beauty And The Beast and the role
of Sir Jasper Tring in Me And My Girl. He has also had roles in the
musicals They're Playing Our Song, Mame, Mack And Mabel and Anything
Goes. He also played the role of Sancho Panza in Man Of La Mancha and
was highly acclaimed for his performance as Nicely Johnson in Guys
And Dolls.

Mr Bourne appeared in many plays and performed with both the
Melbourne & Sydney Theatre Companies and at St Martins Theatre in
Melbourne. He was nominated for an Erik Award for his performance in
the Tom Stoppard play, Enter A Free Man.

Daughter Sally Bourne, who was Australia's original Annie in the
1970's hit stage musical, follows in her father's showbiz footsteps,
currently appearing in Shane Warne: The Musical.