'M*A*S*H' Star Harry Morgan Dies at Age 96

[Scar]

Published December 07, 2011 | Associated Press

Emmy-winning character actor Harry Morgan, whose portrayal of the fatherly Col. Potter on television's "M*A*S*H" highlighted a show business career that included nine other TV series, 50 films and the Broadway stage, died Wednesday. He was 96.

His daughter-in-law, Beth Morgan, told The Associated Press the actor died at his home in Brentwood, California, after having pneumonia.

Morgan appeared in mostly supporting roles on the big screen, playing opposite such stars as Henry Fonda, John Wayne, James Garner, Elvis Presley and Dan Aykroyd.

On television, he was more the comedic co-star, including roles on "December Bride," its spin-off "Pete and Gladys," as Sgt. Joe Friday's loyal partner in later "Dragnet" episodes and on CBS-TV's long-running "M*A*S*H" series, for which he earned an Emmy award in 1980.

Yet acting wasn't Morgan's first career choice.

Born in Detroit in 1915, Morgan was studying pre-law at the University of Chicago when public speaking classes sparked his interest in the stage. Before long, he was working with a little theater group in Washington, followed by a two-year stint on Broadway in the original production of "Golden Boy," with Karl Malden and Lee J. Cobb.

Morgan made his way to Hollywood in 1942 "without any assurance that I would find work," he said in a 1976 interview with The Associated Press.

"I didn't have enough money to go back East, so I stayed around finding jobs mainly out of friendships."

He signed a contract with 20th Century Fox after a talent scout spotted him in the one-act play, "Hello, Out There."

One of his earliest films was "The Ox Bow Incident" in 1943 with Fonda. Other films included: "High Noon," "What Price Glory," "Support Your Local Sheriff," "The Apple Dumpling Gang" and "The Shootist."

Morgan began his television career in 1954 when the medium was in its infancy.

"Television allowed me to kick the Hollywood habit of typing an actor in certain roles," Morgan said, referring to his typical sidekick or sheriff portrayals on the big screen

In "December Bride," his first TV series, Morgan played Pete Porter. The CBS series lasted from 1954-1959, when he went on to star in his own series, "Pete and Gladys," a spinoff of "December Bride."

Demonstrating his diversity as a character actor and comedian, Morgan also starred in "The Richard Boone Show," "Kentucky Jones" and "Dragnet."

But it was his role as Col. Sherman Porter on "M*A*S*H" for which Morgan became best known.

"M*A*S*H was so darn good," Morgan told the AP. "I didn't think they could keep the level so high."

His acting career didn't stop after the popular series left the air in 1983 after 11 years -- one of television's most successful prime-time runs. Morgan went on to appear in several made-for-TV movies and other television series, such as "AfterM*A*S*H" and "Blacke's Magic."

When he was not on the set, Morgan enjoyed reading books about the legal profession and poetry. He also liked horses, which he once raised on his Northern California ranch.

Morgan is survived by his second wife, Barbara, and four sons from both marriages: Chris, Charlie, Paul and Danny.

[Hammer]

I was just coming here to post this story...

Rest in peace, Col. Potter

[White Rose]

This made me so sad. While MASH ended before my lifetime, I grew up watching the reruns with my parents. Colonel Potter was one of my favorite characters.

[ChipDale2708]

Good-bye, Farewell & Amen... Rest in Peace Col. Potter.

[Ian]

The timing on this is so odd for me, because I literally just the other day came across something that referenced that he was still alive and thought to myself, "That's sad. He's very old and we probably won't have him much longer."

I was (and still am really) a HUGE M*A*S*H fan and Colonel Potter was always my favorite. He always reminded me of a wise man that I would have loved to have as a Grandfather or something.

His work was brilliant and he'll be very missed. RIP, Sherm.

[Jeff]

Both my wife n I absolutely loved MASH and Colonel Potter was our favorite. As Ian said, his character was so wise, caring and with such a great sense of humor!

I had a night class in grad school the evening of the last episode of MASH. This was before the days of vcr let alone DVR. I sadly went to class but was so surprised when the Prof announced we would have a shortned class because he had to get home to watch the final episode!

[Ian]

Both my wife n I absolutely loved MASH and Colonel Potter was our favorite. As Ian said, his character was so wise, caring and with such a great sense of humor!

His scene in "Old Soldiers", where he toasts his fallen comrades from the past, is still one of the most moving sequences I've ever seen on television.

As a tribute to Mr. Morgan ... that speech:

"Here's to you, boys.
To Ryan, who died in W.W.I, the war to end all wars.
To Gianelli, who died in the war after that.
To Stein, the joker of the crowd.
And to Grusky, my best friend who just passed away in Tokyo.
You were the friends of my youth.
My comrades through thick and thin and everything in between.
I drink to your memories.
I loved you fellows. One and all."

[The Reservoir Dog]

A great character from one of the greatest shows ever made.

R.I.P Harry.

[Jeff]

His scene in "Old Soldiers", where he toasts his fallen comrades from the past, is still one of the most moving sequences I've ever seen on television.

As a tribute to Mr. Morgan ... that speech:

"Here's to you, boys.
To Ryan, who died in W.W.I, the war to end all wars.
To Gianelli, who died in the war after that.
To Stein, the joker of the crowd.
And to Grusky, my best friend who just passed away in Tokyo.
You were the friends of my youth.
My comrades through thick and thin and everything in between.
I drink to your memories.
I loved you fellows. One and all."

That is a powerful episode that Still brings a tear to my eye!

One of my favorite Potter scenes is found in the "Bug Out" episode his exchange with the "ladies" whose "house" he wants to use for the unit is classic!

[Ian]

One of my favorite Potter scenes is found in the "Bug Out" episode his exchange with the "ladies" whose "house" he wants to use for the unit is classic!

Yeah, that's a classic.

In fact, that's a great episode in general. That's also the one where he sings his famous song about "bow-legged women."

[Jeff]

Yeah, that's a classic.

In fact, that's a great episode in general. That's also the one where he sings his famous song about "bow-legged women."

A "song" I have loved to sing for 20 years when in the pool with my wife and daughter. They, however, do not find it nearly as funny as I do!

[Ian]

A "song" I have loved to sing for 20 years when in the pool with my wife and daughter. They, however, do not find it nearly as funny as I do!

LOL! I'm exactly the same way. In fact, I trot out lines from M*A*S*H all the time and mostly just get back blank stares in return.

Oh well ... it's funny to me!

[LVT]

I am glad to have found this and revived fond memories of MASH
thank you all