Ice comedian “Mr Frick” dies at 92

Werner Groebli, a Swiss-born ice skating comedian popular for years in the United States, has died. He was 92.

One half of the “Frick and Frack” duo, Groebli was credited with making 15,000 appearances with the US-based Ice Follies from 1939 to 1981. He also appeared on US television’s variety Ed Sullivan Show.

For many Americans half a century ago, Frick and Frack was a term meaning inseparable partners.

Groebli, the Frick of the team, who took his name from a small village in Switzerland, originated the “Cantilever spread-eagle skating movement” in which he skated with his toes pointing in opposite directions as he leaned backward a foot above the ice.

“He remained a comedian with all his heart and soul until the end,” the death notice said.

Groebli died in Zollikerberg, Zurich, on April 14 a week short of his 93rd birthday, according to the family announcement in Zurich newspapers.

His Swiss partner as Mr Frack, Hans Rudolf Mauch, died in 1979.