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 Harry Morgan was a prolific character actor who starred in over 100 films and was a stage performer. Known to a younger generation of fans as "Col. Sherman T. Potter" on M*A*S*H (1972). Also known for his commanding personality throughout his career, he tackled movies and television in a way no other actor would do it.Born Harry Bratsberg in Detroit, Michigan to Anna Olsen, a homemaker who immigrated from Sweden, and Henry Bratsberg, a mechanic who immigrated from Norway. After graduating from Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Michigan, he took on a salesman job before becoming a successful actor.Several of his most memorable film roles were: The Omaha Trail (1942), in the next quarter-century, he would also appear in The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Wing and a Prayer (1944), State Fair (1945), Dragonwyck (1946), All My Sons (1948), Red Light (1949), Outside the Wall (1950), Dark City (1950) where he met future Dragnet 1967 (1967) co-star Jack Webb, who would be best friends until Webb's death, late in 1982, along with Appointment with Danger (1950). His films credits also include: High Noon (1952), The Glenn Miller Story (1954), Strategic Air Command (1955), among many others. He also co-starred with James Garner in Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) and Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971).On television, he is fondly remembered as Spring Byington's jokingly henpecked neighbor, "Pete Porter" on December Bride (1954), where he became the show's scene-stealer. It was also based on a popular radio show that transferred into television. The show was an immediate success to viewers, which led him into starring his own short-lived spin-off series, Pete and Gladys (1960), which co-starred Cara Williams, who met Morgan in the movie, The Saxon Charm (1948).Morgan began his eight-year association with old friend, Jack Webb, and Universal, starting with Dragnet 1967 (1967), which he played Off. Bill Gannon. For the second time, like December Bride (1954) before this, it was an immediate hit, where it tackled a lot of topics. Dragnet was canceled in 1970, after a 4-season run, due to Morgan's best friend and co-star (Jack Webb) leaving the show to continue producing other shows, such as Adam-12 (1968) and Emergency! (1972). Morgan would later work with Webb in both short-lived series, The D.A. (1971), opposite Robert Conrad and Hec Ramsey (1972), opposite Richard Boone. After those roles, Morgan ended his contract with both Universal and Mark VII, to sign with 20th Century Fox.Morgan's biggest role was that of a tough-talking, commanding, fun-loving, serious Army Officer, "Col. Sherman T. Potter" on M*A*S*H (1972), when he replaced McLean Stevenson, who left the show to unsuccessfully star in his own sitcom. For the third time, the show was still a hit with fans, and at 60, he was nominated for Emmies nine times and won his first and only Emmy in 1980, for Outstanding Supporting Actor. By 1983, M*A*S*H's series was getting very expensive, as well as with the cast, hence, CBS reduced it to 16 episodes. Despite M*A*S*H's finale in 1983, Morgan went on to star in a short-lived spin-off series AfterMASH (1983), co-starring Jamie Farr and William Christopher, from the original M*A*S*H (1972) series, without series' star Alan Alda.He also co-starred in 2 more short-lived series, as he was over 70, beginning with Blacke's Magic (1986) with Hal Linden and his final role with You Can't Take It with You (1987). That same year, he reprised his role, for a second time as "Off. Bill Gannon" in the film, Dragnet (1987), which starred Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks. Then, he guest-starred in several shows such as: The Twilight Zone (1985), Renegade (1992), The Jeff Foxworthy Show (1995), for the third time, he also reprised his "Off. Bill Gannon" role, supplying his voice on The Simpsons (1989). Towards the end of his acting career, as he reached 80, he had a recurring role as the older college professor on 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996), opposite John Lithgow. Afterwards, he retired from show business and lived with his family. Harry Morgan died on December 7, 2011 at 96. On confirming his death, his son Charles said that he had been recently treated for pneumonia. Morgan was also one of the oldest living Hollywood male actors.
Bio:
Harry Morgan was a prolific character actor who starred in over 100 films and was a stage performer. Known to a younger generation of fans as "Col. Sherman T. Potter" on M*A*S*H (1972). Also known for his commanding personality throughout his career, he tackled movies and television in a way no other actor would do it.Born Harry Bratsberg in Detroit, Michigan to Anna Olsen, a homemaker who immigrated from Sweden, and Henry Bratsberg, a mechanic who immigrated from Norway. After graduating from Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Michigan, he took on a salesman job before becoming a successful actor.Several of his most memorable film roles were: The Omaha Trail (1942), in the next quarter-century, he would also appear in The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Wing and a Prayer (1944), State Fair (1945), Dragonwyck (1946), All My Sons (1948), Red Light (1949), Outside the Wall (1950), Dark City (1950) where he met future Dragnet 1967 (1967) co-star Jack Webb, who would be best friends until Webb's death, late in 1982, along with Appointment with Danger (1950). His films credits also include: High Noon (1952), The Glenn Miller Story (1954), Strategic Air Command (1955), among many others. He also co-starred with James Garner in Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) and Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971).On television, he is fondly remembered as Spring Byington's jokingly henpecked neighbor, "Pete Porter" on December Bride (1954), where he became the show's scene-stealer. It was also based on a popular radio show that transferred into television. The show was an immediate success to viewers, which led him into starring his own short-lived spin-off series, Pete and Gladys (1960), which co-starred Cara Williams, who met Morgan in the movie, The Saxon Charm (1948).Morgan began his eight-year association with old friend, Jack Webb, and Universal, starting with Dragnet 1967 (1967), which he played Off. Bill Gannon. For the second time, like December Bride (1954) before this, it was an immediate hit, where it tackled a lot of topics. Dragnet was canceled in 1970, after a 4-season run, due to Morgan's best friend and co-star (Jack Webb) leaving the show to continue producing other shows, such as Adam-12 (1968) and Emergency! (1972). Morgan would later work with Webb in both short-lived series, The D.A. (1971), opposite Robert Conrad and Hec Ramsey (1972), opposite Richard Boone. After those roles, Morgan ended his contract with both Universal and Mark VII, to sign with 20th Century Fox.Morgan's biggest role was that of a tough-talking, commanding, fun-loving, serious Army Officer, "Col. Sherman T. Potter" on M*A*S*H (1972), when he replaced McLean Stevenson, who left the show to unsuccessfully star in his own sitcom. For the third time, the show was still a hit with fans, and at 60, he was nominated for Emmies nine times and won his first and only Emmy in 1980, for Outstanding Supporting Actor. By 1983, M*A*S*H's series was getting very expensive, as well as with the cast, hence, CBS reduced it to 16 episodes. Despite M*A*S*H's finale in 1983, Morgan went on to star in a short-lived spin-off series AfterMASH (1983), co-starring Jamie Farr and William Christopher, from the original M*A*S*H (1972) series, without series' star Alan Alda.He also co-starred in 2 more short-lived series, as he was over 70, beginning with Blacke's Magic (1986) with Hal Linden and his final role with You Can't Take It with You (1987). That same year, he reprised his role, for a second time as "Off. Bill Gannon" in the film, Dragnet (1987), which starred Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks. Then, he guest-starred in several shows such as: The Twilight Zone (1985), Renegade (1992), The Jeff Foxworthy Show (1995), for the third time, he also reprised his "Off. Bill Gannon" role, supplying his voice on The Simpsons (1989). Towards the end of his acting career, as he reached 80, he had a recurring role as the older college professor on 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996), opposite John Lithgow. Afterwards, he retired from show business and lived with his family. Harry Morgan died on December 7, 2011 at 96. On confirming his death, his son Charles said that he had been recently treated for pneumonia. Morgan was also one of the oldest living Hollywood male actors.
Tivia:
On M*A*S*H (1972), his character rode horses, in real-life, he raised quarter horses on a ranch in Santa Rosa, California.In several episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), Col. Potter was seen painting portraits, mainly of the other characters. These portraits were actually painted by Morgan.Had a photographic memory.Was regarded as one of the busiest actors on television, who had continuing roles in at least 10 series, which, combined with his guest appearances, amounted to hundreds of episodes.His ex-M*A*S*H (1972) co-star and neighbor, Loretta Swit, wrote an obituary for him in Entertainment Weekly's Best and Worst 2011 column (29 December 2011).His was one of the longest acting careers in the business, between movies and television; behind Mickey Rooney, Bob Hope, Barbara Stanwyck, Eddie Albert and Jane Wyman; but in-front of Karl Malden and Ernest Borgnine.In various episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), his real-life wife, Eileen Detchon, stood in for his character's wife, Mildred's portrait on his character's desk.He and Jack Webb were best friends from 1949 to Thursday, December 23rd, 1982, when Jack Webb lost his life.Once said that he enjoyed playing Colonel Potter on M*A*S*H (1972) so much that he felt that he could have "gone on forever" playing that character.Remained friends with Mike Farrell, Loretta Swit, amongst the rest of the M*A*S*H (1972) cast, during and after the series' cancellation.It was Jack Webb who allowed Morgan to show his own sense of humor on Dragnet 1967 (1967).Received the Gold Award of Purple Heart Veterans Rehabilitation Service in the 1970s.Actor Jamie Farr bestowed him a Toledo Mud Hens baseball cap for him to wear.His first wife, Eileen Dutchon, died on February 4, 1985, just 7 months before they would have celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary.Longtime friend of John Wayne.Neighbor of Loretta Swit.His favorite actor was Alan Alda, who grew up watching him before he co-starred with Morgan on M*A*S*H (1972).Acting mentor and friends of Jamie Farr, Mike Farrell, David Ogden Stiers and the late John Ritter.Was also good friends of John Garfield, Tim Conway and Don Knotts (who starred in both of his movies).Was a very popular student at Muskegon High School, where he played varsity football, and by his senior year, he was class president.Between 1959 and 1983, he received 11 Emmy nominations. He won his only Emmy in 1980 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series.Despite not being an original cast member, next to Mike Farrell, he appeared in each and every episode of M*A*S*H (1972), with the exception of 2, after he joined the cast in 1975, until its series cancellation in 1983.According to his ex-M*A*S*H (1972) co-star, Mike Farrell, he said in an interview, Morgan would never boast about the famed actors whom he had worked with and befriended, but, if prompted, would happily share memories.Before John Ritter would have a successful career, he used to work with him on both of Morgan's movies: The Barefoot Executive (1971) and Scandalous John (1971).Prior to joining the cast of M*A*S*H (1972) in the fourth season as the stern but decent Colonel Potter, he appeared in the third season episode The General Flipped at Dawn (1974) as a crazed general who wanted to move the 4077 unit closer to the front line.Was the second actor to have directed more episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), behind co-star Alan Alda.Attended the funeral of McLean Stevenson when the actor passed away in 1996.He and future co-star Mike Farrell were both fans of the M*A*S*H (1972) series, in the early years, before they both joined the cast in 1975.Best remembered by the public for his starring roles as Officer Bill Gannon on Dragnet 1967 (1967) and as Colonel - later Surgeon - Dr. Sherman T. Potter on M*A*S*H (1972).Was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 2006.Shortly before his death, he and his family had lunch with ex-M*A*S*H (1972) co-star, Mike Farrell, with his second wife, Shelley Fabares.Died just 6 1/2 months after the death of his best friend James Arness. Morgan guest-starred alongside Arness for 4 episodes of Gunsmoke (1955).His parents were Henry Bratsberg, a mechanic born in Norway, and Anna Olsen, a housewife born in Sweden.Started using 'Harry' rather than 'Henry' when comedian Henry Morgan became popular on radio and TV in the early 1960s. Strangely, they not only chose the surname 'Morgan' (as neither one was born with it), but they were born only 10 days apart (in March/April 1915).Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide six times.Enjoyed golfing, traveling, dining, fishing, spending time with his family, reading, raising quarter-horses, horseback riding, animals, painting and poetry.Became best friends with McLean Stevenson from 1974 until his death in 1996.His M*A*S*H (1972) character was a heavy drinker and a smoker, as was Morgan, in real-life.His favorite movie was The Ox-Bow Incident (1943).Was the last minute replacement for the role of Officer Bill Gannon on the third revival of Dragnet 1967 (1967), with the help of his best friend Jack Webb.He replaced McLean Stevenson in the role of Colonel Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H (1972), for the series' fourth season, primarily because of his long association with Gene Reynolds.Of Norwegian descent, his grandparents were immigrants from Scandinavia.Harry Morgan passed away on December 7, 2011. This day was also actor Eli Wallach's 96th birthday. He and Morgan were both featured actors in the 1963 film How the West Was Won (1962).In 1942, Morgan had a small part in Orchestra Wives (1942) featuring Glenn Miller. In 1953, co-starred in The Glenn Miller Story (1954).Appeared with McLean Stevenson in The Cat from Outer Space (1978). Morgan played the general, Stevenson played the doctor.Attended University of Chicago with a major of pre-law, but a lack of finances dropped him out.His father and 2 uncles worked on the Erie Canal, after his parents moved to Michigan.On Dragnet 1967 (1967), his character's wife's name was Eileen, in real-life, his wife's name was also Eileen.After his last guest-starring role on Love & Money (1999), he retired from acting at age 84.Died 10 days before his 25th wedding anniversary to Barbara Bushman. |
| Name: |
Harry Morgan |
Type: |
Actor,Director,Soundtrack (IMDB) |
| Area: |
All World |
Platform: |
IMDB |
| Category: |
|
Business scope: |
Actor,Director,Soundtrack |
| Products for sale: |
Actor,Director,Soundtrack |
| Last update: |
2024-07-01 05:04:37 |
| Height: |
5' 6' (1.68 m) |
| Biography: |
Harry Morgan was a prolific character actor who starred in over 100 films and was a stage performer. Known to a younger generation of fans as \"Col. Sherman T. Potter\" on M*A*S*H (1972). Also known for his commanding personality throughout his |
| Trivia: |
On M*A*S*H (1972), his character rode horses, in real-life, he raised quarter horses on a ranch in Santa Rosa, California.In several episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), Col. Potter was seen painting portraits, mainly of the other characters. These portraits were actually painted by Morgan.Had a photographic memory.Was regarded as one of the busiest actors on television, who had continuing roles in at least 10 series, which, combined with his guest appearances, amounted to hundreds of episodes.His ex-M*A*S*H (1972) co-star and neighbor, Loretta Swit, wrote an obituary for him in Entertainment Weekly's Best and Worst 2011 column (29 December 2011).His was one of the longest acting careers in the business, between movies and television; behind Mickey Rooney, Bob Hope, Barbara Stanwyck, Eddie Albert and Jane Wyman; but in-front of Karl Malden and Ernest Borgnine.In various episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), his real-life wife, Eileen Detchon, stood in for his character's wife, Mildred's portrait on his character's desk.He and Jack Webb were best friends from 1949 to Thursday, December 23rd, 1982, when Jack Webb lost his life.Once said that he enjoyed playing Colonel Potter on M*A*S*H (1972) so much that he felt that he could have "gone on forever" playing that character.Remained friends with Mike Farrell, Loretta Swit, amongst the rest of the M*A*S*H (1972) cast, during and after the series' cancellation.It was Jack Webb who allowed Morgan to show his own sense of humor on Dragnet 1967 (1967).Received the Gold Award of Purple Heart Veterans Rehabilitation Service in the 1970s.Actor Jamie Farr bestowed him a Toledo Mud Hens baseball cap for him to wear.His first wife, Eileen Dutchon, died on February 4, 1985, just 7 months before they would have celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary.Longtime friend of John Wayne.Neighbor of Loretta Swit.His favorite actor was Alan Alda, who grew up watching him before he co-starred with Morgan on M*A*S*H (1972).Acting mentor and friends of Jamie Farr, Mike Farrell, David Ogden Stiers and the late John Ritter.Was also good friends of John Garfield, Tim Conway and Don Knotts (who starred in both of his movies).Was a very popular student at Muskegon High School, where he played varsity football, and by his senior year, he was class president.Between 1959 and 1983, he received 11 Emmy nominations. He won his only Emmy in 1980 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series.Despite not being an original cast member, next to Mike Farrell, he appeared in each and every episode of M*A*S*H (1972), with the exception of 2, after he joined the cast in 1975, until its series cancellation in 1983.According to his ex-M*A*S*H (1972) co-star, Mike Farrell, he said in an interview, Morgan would never boast about the famed actors whom he had worked with and befriended, but, if prompted, would happily share memories.Before John Ritter would have a successful career, he used to work with him on both of Morgan's movies: The Barefoot Executive (1971) and Scandalous John (1971).Prior to joining the cast of M*A*S*H (1972) in the fourth season as the stern but decent Colonel Potter, he appeared in the third season episode The General Flipped at Dawn (1974) as a crazed general who wanted to move the 4077 unit closer to the front line.Was the second actor to have directed more episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), behind co-star Alan Alda.Attended the funeral of McLean Stevenson when the actor passed away in 1996.He and future co-star Mike Farrell were both fans of the M*A*S*H (1972) series, in the early years, before they both joined the cast in 1975.Best remembered by the public for his starring roles as Officer Bill Gannon on Dragnet 1967 (1967) and as Colonel - later Surgeon - Dr. Sherman T. Potter on M*A*S*H (1972).Was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 2006.Shortly before his death, he and his family had lunch with ex-M*A*S*H (1972) co-star, Mike Farrell, with his second wife, Shelley Fabares.Died just 6 1/2 months after the death of his best friend James Arness. Morgan guest-starred alongside Arness for 4 episodes of Gunsmoke (1955).His parents were Henry Bratsberg, a mechanic born in Norway, and Anna Olsen, a housewife born in Sweden.Started using 'Harry' rather than 'Henry' when comedian Henry Morgan became popular on radio and TV in the early 1960s. Strangely, they not only chose the surname 'Morgan' (as neither one was born with it), but they were born only 10 days apart (in March/April 1915).Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide six times.Enjoyed golfing, traveling, dining, fishing, spending time with his family, reading, raising quarter-horses, horseback riding, animals, painting and poetry.Became best friends with McLean Stevenson from 1974 until his death in 1996.His M*A*S*H (1972) character was a heavy drinker and a smoker, as was Morgan, in real-life.His favorite movie was The Ox-Bow Incident (1943).Was the last minute replacement for the role of Officer Bill Gannon on the third revival of Dragnet 1967 (1967), with the help of his best friend Jack Webb.He replaced McLean Stevenson in the role of Colonel Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H (1972), for the series' fourth season, primarily because of his long association with Gene Reynolds.Of Norwegian descent, his grandparents were immigrants from Scandinavia.Harry Morgan passed away on December 7, 2011. This day was also actor Eli Wallach's 96th birthday. He and Morgan were both featured actors in the 1963 film How the West Was Won (1962).In 1942, Morgan had a small part in Orchestra Wives (1942) featuring Glenn Miller. In 1953, co-starred in The Glenn Miller Story (1954).Appeared with McLean Stevenson in The Cat from Outer Space (1978). Morgan played the general, Stevenson played the doctor.Attended University of Chicago with a major of pre-law, but a lack of finances dropped him out.His father and 2 uncles worked on the Erie Canal, after his parents moved to Michigan.On Dragnet 1967 (1967), his character's wife's name was Eileen, in real-life, his wife's name was also Eileen.After his last guest-starring role on Love & Money (1999), he retired from acting at age 84.Died 10 days before his 25th wedding anniversary to Barbara Bushman. |
| Trademarks: |
Recognizable commanding voice
Frequently played bad guy or cowardly roles
Disney movies
Short stature.
His gray hair. |
| Quotes: |
I didn't have enough money to go back east, so I stayed around, finding jobs mainly out of friendships. I played a lot of sheriffs in those years.
<br />
<hr>
I could never afford to go back to New York and the theater, what with a big family. I didn't really start out to be an actor. I just sort of fell into it. I've had a good career, a lot of laughs. I don't know if that's enough, but it beats coal mining.
<br />
<hr>
[In 1975] For some reason, I'm confused with Henry Morgan. Perhaps the M*A*S*H (1972) series will change that situation.
<br />
<hr>
[on replacing McLean Stevenson for the last 8 seasons of M*A*S*H (1972)] And he wouldn't leave that behind, so I had to start from scratch.
<br />
<hr>
[on M*A*S*H (1972) co-star Larry Linville] We were all fond of Larry, but when we moved onto the set, no one was fond of Frank Burns. He was nothing like Larry in the flesh. He was brilliant in that part. |
| Job title: |
Actor,Director,Soundtrack |
| Others works: |
(1980s) TV commercial: IBM Personal Computers
(1941) Stage: Appeared (as "Blocky Lockhart"; credited as Harry Bratburg) in "The Cream in the Well" on Broadway. Written by Lynn Riggs. Scenic Design by Jo Mielziner. Directed by Martin G |
| Spouse: |
Barbara Bushman (December 17, 1986 - December 7, 2011) (his death)Eileen Ann Detchon (September 1, 1940 - February 4, 1985) (her death, 4 children) |
| Children: |
Paul MorganDaniel MorganChristopher MorganCharley Morgan |
| Parents: |
Henry Bratsberg
Hannah Bratsberg |
| Relatives: |
Rosemary Morgan (Grandchild) |
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