Biography

Emmy Nominated Ernie Manouse broke into the national scene by beating out both Oprah Winfrey and Ted Koppel in securing the only interview granted by Stella Byrd, the mother of Jasper dragging death victim James Byrd, Jr.

A native of Binghamton, New York and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Manouse started with NBC Network News, then moved into radio with WLS in Chicago, and back to TV at HoustonPBS. With a naturally inquisitive nature, and a gift for gab, Ernie has worked his way through all aspects of talk - from producing a sex therapy show to hosting his own brand of chat and magazine programs. Manouse can be seen on PBS Stations across the country on his Emmy nominated series "InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse," or hosting numerous pledge and entertainment specials, including three of public television's most successful pledge events with Suze Orman.

Houstonians first got to know Ernie from his six years hosting and producing the daily magazine program WeekNight Edition (which evolved into WeekDAY). Manouse himself is a five time in a row KATIE Award winner for outstanding Interview/Talk Show for the southern region presented by the Press Club of Dallas. Internationally, Ernie is featured on the Houston episode of PrideVision's world travel show "Bump!"

In his off-time, Ernie keeps busy working within the community by donating his time to several causes. He has become a popular Master of Ceremonies and Host for events as diverse as The Pride Parade, the U.S. Military Ball, and the Cattle Baron's Ball. Manouse currently serves on the advisory board of STAGES Theatre, and the Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre.

In October 2002, Ernie helped to create and producer the prime time magazine "the connection," which he hosted for two years.

In 2004, Manouse launched the syndicated series "InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse," which lead Manouse to win an unprecedented five consecutive KATIE Award for outstanding Interview/Talk Show for the southern region presented by the Press Club of Dallas. Now in its 5th season, this award winning series is distributed nationally to PBS stations across the country, and is currently airing in over 80 cities in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands. The show takes Ernie back to what he loves doing best - unedited, one on one interviews with noted personalities.

Another area Ernie enjoys is late night talk, and in early 2005, Manouse launched a late night chat fest. "The After Party" combines arts coverage, with up beat fun interviews reminiscent of Jack Parr's "Tonight Show". The series was a hit with critics and audiences alike, garnering the coveted Emmy nomination for Best Entertainment/Variety program in it's first season. Also in 2005, Manouse received an Emmy nomination as Best On-Air Talent (non-news) for his current body of work.
- IMDb mini biography by: HoustonPBS