Harry Morgan was an American actor who is best known for his roles in MASH, Dragnet, and December Bride. He was known for his commanding voice and was a versatile character actor featured in many films and television shows.
Personal and Family Life
Harry Morgan was born Harry Bratsberg on April 10, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Anna Olsen and Henry Bratsberg, who both immigrated to the U.S. from Sweden and Norway, respectively. Morgan graduated from Muskegon High School and initially worked as a salesman before pursuing acting. He married Eileen Ann Detchon in 1940, and they had four children together. After her passing, he married Barbara Bushman in 1986.
Career
Harry Morgan had a long and successful career as an actor, appearing in over 100 films and many television shows. He gained fame for his role as “Col. Sherman T. Potter” in MASH, which he joined in 1972. His performance earned him multiple Emmy nominations, and he won one in 1980 for Outstanding Supporting Actor. In addition to MASH, he became a household name with roles in Dragnet and December Bride, along with various movie appearances.
Death and Legacy
Harry Morgan passed away on December 7, 2011, in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, due to pneumonia. He was 96 years old at the time of his death. Morgan is remembered as one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood’s golden age, admired for his extensive work in film and television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| High Noon | 1952-06-09 | Sam Fuller |
| Dragnet | 1987-06-23 | Captain Gannon |
| Inherit the Wind | 1960-07-07 | Judge Mel |
| Yellow Sky | 1948-12-24 | Half Pint |
| The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again | 1979-06-27 | T.P. Gaskill |
| Maneaters Are Loose! | 1978-05-03 | Toby Waites |
| Support Your Local Sheriff! | 1969-03-26 | Olly Perkins |
| How the West Was Won | 1962-11-02 | Gen. Ulysses S. Grant |
| Holiday Affair | 1949-12-12 | Police Lieutenant |
| Snowball Express | 1972-12-22 | Jesse McCord |