Conversation so far:
Where was Ernie Kovacs born?
Kovacs's father Andrew emigrated from Hungary at age 13.
What was interesting about Ernie's childhood?
Though a poor student, Kovacs was influenced by his Trenton Central High School drama teacher, Harold Van Kirk, and received an acting scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
What did Kovacs do while at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts?
When Kovacs began drama school, all he could afford was a fifth floor walk-up apartment on West 74th Street in New York City.
Was he successful after graduation from the drama school?
Kovacs used his class vacation time to pursue roles in summer stock companies.
While working in Vermont during 1939, he became so seriously ill with pneumonia.

Question: What happened to Kovacs after he was ill?
Self-contained rewrite: What happened to Ernie Kovacs after being ill with pneumonia ?