Morton Downey Jr. was an American actor and talk show host who is best known for his controversial television show, his appearances in films like “Predator 2,” and his outspoken personality. He was known for his catchphrase “Zip it!” which he often directed at unruly guests.
Personal and Family Life
Born on December 9, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, Morton Downey Jr. had a varied personal life. He was married four times, including to Lori Krebs, his final spouse, until his death in 2001. His other marriages were to Kim Cotten, Joan Tyrrell, and Helen, from which he had children. Educated at New York University, he studied law before pursuing a career in entertainment.
Death and Legacy
Morton Downey Jr. passed away on March 12, 2001, in Los Angeles due to lung cancer and respiratory issues. He left behind a legacy as a pioneer in the talk show format, influencing the style of later hosts with his confrontational methods. Downey’s career was marked by his ability to generate public controversy and provoke his audience.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Predator 2 | 1990-11-21 | Tony Pope |
| Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation | 1992-07-13 | Orrin Price |
| The Silencer | 1992-10-01 | Michael Keating |
| Evocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie | 2013-06-07 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Rockford Files: A Blessing in Disguise | 1995-05-14 | Himself |
| Palmer’s Pick Up | 1999-02-09 | Dick Cash |
| Body Chemistry II: Voice of a Stranger | 1992-08-05 | Big Chuck |
| Driving Me Crazy | 1991-05-16 | Taj |
| Legal Tender | 1991-03-01 | Mal Connery |
| Hollywood: The Movie | 1996-01-01 | Carlton |
| The Hunters and the Hunted: The Making of ‘Predator 2’ | 2005-01-25 | Self (archive footage) |
| Meet Wally Sparks | 1997-01-31 | Morton Downey, Jr. |
| AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #5: HAUNTED LIVES | 2020-10-14 | Self |
| WWE WrestleMania V | 1989-04-02 | Himself |
| La Fabrique de l’ignorance | 2020-11-23 | Himself (archive footage) |
| Born Again | 1978-10-01 | Classroom Guard |
| Thanksgiving Day | 1990-11-19 | Dr. Saul Minion |
| Tales from the Crypt | 1989-06-10 | Horton Rivers |
| Saturday Night Live | 1975-10-11 | Self (uncredited) |
| Diagnosis: Murder | 1993-10-29 | Carl Burke |
| WWF Wrestling Challenge | 1986-09-07 | Self |