Harry Morgan

If you know more information about Harry Morgan help us to improve this page

Birthday:

10 April 1915, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Birth Name:

Harry Bratsberg

Height:

168 cm

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 parents Henry Bratsberg, who immigrated from Norway, who was a mechanic, and Anna Olsen, a housewife who immigrated from Sweden. After graduating from Muskegon High School in Muskegon, Michigan, he took on a job as a salesman, before becoming a successful actor.In the many films, several of his most memorable movies, he appeared in were: in one of his firsts, The Omaha Trail (1942), in the next quarter of a 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 (1951). 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 its sequel 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 it 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 After MASH (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 age 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. Show less «

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 ...Show more »

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. Show less «

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 o...Show more »

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. Show less «

[In 1975] For some reason, I'm confused with Henry Morgan. Perhaps the M*A*S*H (1972) series will change that situation.

[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.

[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...Show more »

[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. Show less «

[In 1976] A lot of people live much more simply than in the old days. That doesn't bother me. Keeping busy is the problem. Television guest ...Show more »

[In 1976] A lot of people live much more simply than in the old days. That doesn't bother me. Keeping busy is the problem. Television guest shot fees are going down. You can do a dozen guest shots a year, but you're not making that much money. Show less «

[In 1977] It might be good for a holiday show, but I don't imagine it will be a real ratings-getter.

[on his popularity while playing the 60-something Col. Sherman T. Potter on M*A*S*H (1972)] Two guys just waved to me and said, "Hi, Colonel...Show more »

[on his popularity while playing the 60-something Col. Sherman T. Potter on M*A*S*H (1972)] Two guys just waved to me and said, "Hi, Colonel", as I was coming to the hotel lobby. Show less «

[about the cast of M*A*S*H (1972)] It's amazing how attached we've become.

[Asked if he felt that M*A*S*H (1972) had started to suffer in later months] No one connected with it will be able to stand its being less t...Show more »

[Asked if he felt that M*A*S*H (1972) had started to suffer in later months] No one connected with it will be able to stand its being less than it was. I'm sure they'd rather leave than hang around and watch quality go down. Show less «

[About his years on series in TV before he got M*A*S*H (1972)] Television allowed me to kick the Hollywood habit of typing an actor in certa...Show more »

[About his years on series in TV before he got M*A*S*H (1972)] Television allowed me to kick the Hollywood habit of typing an actor in certain roles. "M*A*S*H" was so damned good, I didn't think they could keep the level so high, but they have. I think this season's shows have been outstanding. Show less «

[on the death of Jack Webb] Jack had a lot of affection in him. He'd always throw his arms around me. My God, off-screen he was the most gar...Show more »

[on the death of Jack Webb] Jack had a lot of affection in him. He'd always throw his arms around me. My God, off-screen he was the most garrulous person you ever met - full of life and laughs. We had a ball . . . I loved him very much. Show less «

Loretta Swit called me from London, I think she's probably my best friend. She didn't even call collect.

[In 1979, after having spent a few seasons on M*A*S*H (1972)] I think I'm a lot looser now, less military. There's much more of a flow betwe...Show more »

[In 1979, after having spent a few seasons on M*A*S*H (1972)] I think I'm a lot looser now, less military. There's much more of a flow between me and the other characters now. It's good. We have so much fun sitting around off-camera that it really doesn't change when we get on-camera. There's a lot of affection flowing around there. Show less «

[If he was worried about the cast reaction to his replacing McLean Stevenson on M*A*S*H (1972)] Our relationships just get deeper and deeper...Show more »

[If he was worried about the cast reaction to his replacing McLean Stevenson on M*A*S*H (1972)] Our relationships just get deeper and deeper the longer I'm with the show. Show less «

[on his concerns about replacing McLean Stevenson on M*A*S*H (1972)] After all, I was replacing a great comic, McLean Stevenson, and enterin...Show more »

[on his concerns about replacing McLean Stevenson on M*A*S*H (1972)] After all, I was replacing a great comic, McLean Stevenson, and entering a company that had been close-knit for three seasons. Show less «

[Of his M*A*S*H (1972) character] He was firm. He was a good officer and he had a good sense of humor. I think it's the best part I ever had...Show more »

[Of his M*A*S*H (1972) character] He was firm. He was a good officer and he had a good sense of humor. I think it's the best part I ever had. I loved playing Colonel Potter. Show less «

An actor's most important responsibility is to know lines well.

[In 1986] The only ones in town who were moving office equipment in the teeth of the Depression were the people selling filing cabinets to t...Show more »

[In 1986] The only ones in town who were moving office equipment in the teeth of the Depression were the people selling filing cabinets to the Social Security Administration. Show less «

[in 1985, about something he once told President Ronald Reagan] I once lived in the White House for four days in the Presidential quarters. ...Show more »

[in 1985, about something he once told President Ronald Reagan] I once lived in the White House for four days in the Presidential quarters. Well, before I get arrested, I had better tell you that NBC did sort of a maxi-series called Backstairs at the White House (1979) and I played President [Harry S. Truman]. We didn't have a Rose Garden. But then, they never promised us a rose garden. Show less «

[on how he got along with the other actors on M*A*S*H (1972)] They weren't fearful of competition, and they handed you some of the juiciest ...Show more »

[on how he got along with the other actors on M*A*S*H (1972)] They weren't fearful of competition, and they handed you some of the juiciest things in the show. Show less «

[in 1983, about his wife Eileen Dutchon and his After MASH (1983) co-star, Barbara Townsend] Eileen looks a lot like Townsend, and the two w...Show more »

[in 1983, about his wife Eileen Dutchon and his After MASH (1983) co-star, Barbara Townsend] Eileen looks a lot like Townsend, and the two women get along pretty well, but I sit between them so as not to take any chances. Show less «

I don't care about the money. I'm just interested in the perks. I'll do a series if I am picked up by a limo, work only until 4, and the sho...Show more »

I don't care about the money. I'm just interested in the perks. I'll do a series if I am picked up by a limo, work only until 4, and the show is shot in Hawaii. Show less «

I've never been more comfortable in a part than with Colonel Potter.

[Of Jack Webb, who worked with him on Dragnet 1967 (1967)'s very first episode, which Webb's character did psychedelic drugs]: He's been tak...Show more »

[Of Jack Webb, who worked with him on Dragnet 1967 (1967)'s very first episode, which Webb's character did psychedelic drugs]: He's been taking them, the pills, all day. He kept saying he wants to get even farther out. Show less «

[on the cancellation of M*A*S*H (1972)] I think it broke all the listening, the tuning in records of "You doing it", it was a wonderful show...Show more »

[on the cancellation of M*A*S*H (1972)] I think it broke all the listening, the tuning in records of "You doing it", it was a wonderful show. At the end of the show, we all said farewell to one another. I rode off on my horse, and they all stood up and saluted me, which was very unusual, it didn't have that kind of visible respect for the colonel . . . although it was there, but it wasn't demonstrated formally. It was touching, and it was more than just a film, this was it. So, I mean, what you were doing was really happening, going to happen, because it was a very profound moment. I think we all felt that because it was hard to say goodbye to "M*A*S*H". I could've done it for another 10 years, but I think most of the people felt the same way, maybe not Alan [Alan Alda]. He had other fish to fry. Most of us have gone on to anything after "M*A*S*H" . . . I don't think Alan has his. All he's done is nature shows, that's natural. Show less «

[In 1978, of his M*A*S*H (1972) co-star Gary Burghoff's talking about leaving the show] I'm sure he means it, even though CBS doesn't. And I...Show more »

[In 1978, of his M*A*S*H (1972) co-star Gary Burghoff's talking about leaving the show] I'm sure he means it, even though CBS doesn't. And I think it'll be harder to replace him than it was to replace McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers or Larry Linville. Gary's character is special. And, also, he's the only true original among us, since he's the only one from picture [MASH (1970)]. He'll sorely be missed. Show less «

[on Ron Howard]: He's never hired me. I guess I didn't treat him well. He's very good, incidentally.

[on Alan Alda]: Alan came back to the set like a real basket case. Though he always doesn't fly home to his family in New Jersey on weekends...Show more »

[on Alan Alda]: Alan came back to the set like a real basket case. Though he always doesn't fly home to his family in New Jersey on weekends anymore, doesn't go when he's writing. I'd think he'd be exhausted. He must be, I guess. Show less «

[In 1980, about joining M*A*S*H (1972) in its fourth season] I've always been with a show from the beginning, but this was easier than start...Show more »

[In 1980, about joining M*A*S*H (1972) in its fourth season] I've always been with a show from the beginning, but this was easier than starting some of those shows from the beginning. Show less «

I was particularly fond of Dick Boone [Richard Boone]. I started to direct with him.

[When his role as "Col. Sherman Potter" ended] I'm feeling very sad and sentimental. I don't know if M*A*S*H (1972) made me a better actor, ...Show more »

[When his role as "Col. Sherman Potter" ended] I'm feeling very sad and sentimental. I don't know if M*A*S*H (1972) made me a better actor, but I know it made me a better human being. Show less «

[Who vehemently responded in 1996 of his arrest]: I didn't batter my wife!

[In 2004]: For being a fairly pleasant person and for having gotten along for the most part with a lot of the people I've worked with. And f...Show more »

[In 2004]: For being a fairly pleasant person and for having gotten along for the most part with a lot of the people I've worked with. And for having a wonderful life and for having enjoyed practically every minute of it, especially in the picture business and on the stage. I think I'm one of the luckiest people in the world. Show less «

[on his on- and off-screen chemistry with Hal Linden, who played Alex Blacke]: They tell me there's good chemistry, between us, and that's i...Show more »

[on his on- and off-screen chemistry with Hal Linden, who played Alex Blacke]: They tell me there's good chemistry, between us, and that's important - witness M*A*S*H (1972). They even had a chemist from UCLA come over to test the show. Show less «

[Who compared Blacke's Magic (1986) with Murder, She Wrote (1984)]: The endings where all the pieces fall into place, are hard to make consi...Show more »

[Who compared Blacke's Magic (1986) with Murder, She Wrote (1984)]: The endings where all the pieces fall into place, are hard to make consistent. It's true on Murder, She Wrote (1984), and it's true on our show, too. Show less «

[on the death of his dog, Sterling]: He was a very special dog.