Wayne Morris was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Paths of Glory, Kid Galahad, and The Return of Doctor X.
Personal and Family Life
Wayne Morris was born Bert DeWayne Morris Jr. on February 17, 1914, in Los Angeles, California. He was married twice, first to Leonora Hornblow from 1939 until their divorce in 1940, with whom he had one child. Morris then married Patricia O’Rourke in 1942, and they had two children together. He was also a well-decorated Navy fighter pilot during World War II, where he achieved notable success.
Career Overview
Morris began his acting career after studying at Los Angeles Junior College and the Pasadena Playhouse, where a Warner Bros. talent scout discovered him. He became a star in the late 1930s, particularly recognized for his boy-next-door roles. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to Hollywood but faced challenges in maintaining his previous level of stardom as the quality of his films declined.
Death and Legacy
Wayne Morris passed away on September 14, 1959, from a heart attack while visiting the aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard in San Francisco Bay. He was only 45 years old at the time of his death. Morris was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his brother, Richard, who was also a war hero.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Paths of Glory | 1957-10-25 | Lt. Roget/Singing man |
| The Return of Doctor X | 1939-11-23 | Walter Wichita Garrett |
| The House Across the Street | 1949-09-10 | Dave Joslin |
| Kid Galahad | 1937-05-29 | Ward ‘Kid Galahad’ Guisenberry |
| Flight Angels | 1940-05-18 | Artie Dixon |
| Deep Valley | 1947-07-30 | Jeff Barker |
| The Younger Brothers | 1949-05-03 | Cole Younger |
| Johnny One-Eye | 1950-05-05 | Dane Cory |
| Riding Shotgun | 1954-04-01 | Deputy Sheriff Tub Murphy |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Bret Johnson |