Harry Morgan of TV comedy 'M*A*S*H' dies

[Lord vader]

(Reuters) - Prolific character actor Harry Morgan, who appeared in more than 100 films but was best known for television roles including Colonel Sherman Potter in the popular series "M*A*S*H," died on Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, age 96. He was a good actor,I really enjoyed watching mash.He will be missed.

[Donut]

He was really great. RIP.

[Sequimite]

I used to watch Dragnet regularly. Lovers of "cheese" should check it out. Not a fan of TV MASH (loved the movie) but liked his character.

[wrdwrght]

Can't remember a thing I did not like him in. Just the thought of him makes me smile.

[BAL]

Well, boys, it would be hard to call what we've been through fun, but I'm sure glad we went through it together. You boys always managed to give me a good laugh right when I needed it most. Never forget the time you dropped Winchester's drawers in the O.R. 'Course I had to pretend I was mad at ya, but inside I was laughing to beat all ****.
Col Potter

The next person who's nice to me dies is going to die with boots on. Mine! -- Col Potter


You know sometimes I think there should be a rule of war saying you have to see someone up close and get to know 'em before it's ok to shoot 'em. -- Col Potter


Never insult seven men when all you have is a six shooter -- Col Potter

RIP Mr Morgan

[NYRich]

Most of us remember Morgan as Col. Potter, but he was also great as Jack Webb's partner on Dragnet back in the 50's. It's been a few years, but I think he played Bill(?) Gannon.

[The Deacon]

Most of us remember Morgan as Col. Potter, but he was also great as Jack Webb's partner on Dragnet back in the 50's. It's been a few years, but I think he played Bill(?) Gannon.

He played Gannon, but not in the original Dragnet, where Jack Webb didn't have a partner. He was in the revival that ran from '67 to '70. Back in the 50's he was a regular on December Bride then, IIRC, took that same role of Peter Porter to Pete and Gladys. After that it was Dragnet, then M*A*S*H.

Sad that he's gone, but he definitely had a long life.

[Evil D]

Loved the show...grew up watching reruns, though most of it was over my head at the time. 96 years is a good life.

[NYRich]

He played Gannon, but not in the original Dragnet, where Jack Webb didn't have a partner. He was in the revival that ran from '67 to '70. Back in the 50's he was a regular on December Bride then, IIRC, took that same role of Peter Porter to Pete and Gladys. After that it was Dragnet, then M*A*S*H.

Sad that he's gone, but he definitely had a long life.

Before Morgan I can remember one partner's name being Frank Smith but the earliest episodes found me in bed trying to listen as my parents watched the show. I can still hear the theme music in my head. :cool:

[Lord vader]

He played Gannon, but not in the original Dragnet, where Jack Webb didn't have a partner. He was in the revival that ran from '67 to '70. Back in the 50's he was a regular on December Bride then, IIRC, took that same role of Peter Porter to Pete and Gladys. After that it was Dragnet, then M*A*S*H.

Sad that he's gone, but he definitely had a long life.

I loved to watch the '67 to '70s episodes of dragnet, when Harry morgan and Jack webb starred in them together,they sure made a good team.

[EarthDog]

"Just the facts, mam."

After seeing him in Dragnet, it was great to see him do comedy on MASH.

[Water Bug]

Sad news.

I really enjoyed Harry Morgan's portrayal of Colonel Sherman Potter in M*A*S*H. Finally, someone (as the character Harry portrayed) who was a true veteran and a POW with true experience of war and hard times (WWI and WWII), hard edged (when needed), decisive (lacking amongst the other featured members), and with common sense (also lacking amongst the other featured members)! His performance and looks were that of a true COLONEL! He towed the line, yet was fair and compassionate. He brought in and applied sufficient conservative traits to balance out the liberal feel that sometimes steered the program, as well as tried righting some of the wrongs of the era.

I also enjoyed seeing Mr. Morgan in a variety of other shows to include Dragnet and various movies.

Best wishes, Harry, on your new adventure! And, best wishes to your family and friends! You'll be missed!

[JD Spydo]

He played Gannon, but not in the original Dragnet, where Jack Webb didn't have a partner. He was in the revival that ran from '67 to '70. Back in the 50's he was a regular on December Bride then, IIRC, took that same role of Peter Porter to Pete and Gladys. After that it was Dragnet, then M*A*S*H.

Sad that he's gone, but he definitely had a long life.

Hey Deac that's really cool that you would mention the "Pete & Gladys" sitcom of the early 60s. I was just a small kid when that was on the air but I do remember that my parents really loved it. I remember one episode where Gladys took a few too many tranquillizers :D Even as a kid I laughed my butt off on that one.

It's also very interesting that he would go on to play Jack Webb's partner on Dragnet. I really liked that show as well and it showed his versatility in acting out many types of different roles. You don't see that much anymore. He was a class act and he will be missed.

[EarthDog]

I really enjoyed Harry Morgan's portrayal of Colonel Sherman Potter in M*A*S*H. Finally, someone (as the character Harry portrayed) who was a true veteran and a POW with true experience of war and hard times (WWI and WWII), hard edged (when needed), decisive (lacking amongst the other featured members), and with common sense (also lacking amongst the other featured members)! His performance and looks were that of a true COLONEL! He towed the line, yet was fair and compassionate. He brought in and applied sufficient conservative traits to balance out the liberal feel that sometimes steered the program, as well as tried righting some of the wrongs of the era.

Thanks for your insights on the balance that Harry Morgan's character brought to the show. It was brilliant TV that honored many points of view.

[Owl45]

They ran the story of Mr. Morgan's death on the front page of the entertainmnt section in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution.
The only time I can recall seeing a tribute/obit on the first page; they usually bury them inside, and some of those where huge stars.

Seems everyone loved Harry.

Semi-interesting trivia:
His first (or one of his first) TV role was on December Bride. His role was then done as a spin-off called Pete & Gladys.
Generally acknowledged as the first TV spin-off.

[defenestrate]

A fine actor and a strong character in real life by my reckoning. He had the toughness of R Lee Ermey but the compassion and patience of a saint (most of the time). RIP

[Lord vader]

Here is a tribute from one of his costars on mash,Mike Farrell AKA B.J. Hunnicutt. "He was a treasure as a person, an imp at times, and always a true professional. He had worked with the greats and never saw himself as one of them. But he was,” Farrell said. “He was the rock everyone depended on and yet he could cut up like a kid when the situation warranted it.
He was the apotheosis, the finest example of what people call a ‘character actor.’ What he brought to the work made everyone better. He made those who are thought of as ‘stars’ shine even more brightly.
The love and admiration we all felt for him were returned tenfold in many, many ways. And the greatest and,most selfless tribute to the experience we enjoyed was paid by Harry at the press conference when our show ended. He remarked that someone had asked him if working on M*A*S*H had made him a better actor. He responded by saying, “I don’t know about that, but it made me a better human being.”
It’s hard to imagine a better one." End quote.