Glenn Morris was an American actor best known for his roles in Tarzan’s Revenge, Hold That Co-ed, and Decathlon Champion: The Story of Glenn Morris. He was also a celebrated athlete, winning the Gold Medal in the decathlon at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany.
Personal and Family Life
Glenn Morris was born on June 18, 1912, in Denver, Colorado. He enjoyed a brief career in professional football with the Detroit Lions before shifting his focus to acting. After his Olympic success, he became known not just as an athlete but also as an independent film star.
Military Service
During World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Morris enlisted in the Navy. He experienced combat and was wounded, which led to him spending a significant amount of time recuperating in San Francisco’s Navy Hospital. His military service interrupted his budding film career.
Death and Legacy
Glenn Morris passed away on January 31, 1974, in Palo Alto, California. He was laid to rest at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo, California, in a section known as the Garden of Inspiration. His legacy as an Olympic champion and a unique figure in film history remains notable.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Tarzan’s Revenge | 1938-01-07 | Tarzan |
| Hold That Co-ed | 1938-09-16 | Spencer |
| She Married an Artist | 1937-11-27 | Steward (uncredited) |
| Olympia – Fest der Schönheit | 1938-04-20 | Self |
| Olympic Cavalcade | 1948-12-03 | Himself |
| Decathlon Champion: The Story of Glenn Morris | 1937-11-20 | Glenn Morris |