Harry Morgan
Actor
About This Interview
Harry Morgan (1915-2011) was interviewed for three-and-a-half hours in Century City, CA. Morgan described his start in show business - acting in summer stock productions - which in turn led to his work in the Group Theater and his notable appearance in “Golden Boy” on Broadway. He talked about his move to Hollywood and how he landed a contract at Twentieth Century Fox in 1942. He spoke briefly about some of the movies he made, including How the West Was Won and High Noon and spoke of several directors for whom he worked. Morgan detailed his early work in television on shows December Bride, Pete and Gladys, and The Richard Boone Show, and recalled his role as “Officer Bill Gannon” on Dragnet opposite Jack Webb. He then recounted, in great detail, his experiences on the classic sitcom M*A*S*H, where he played “Col. Sherman T. Potter.” He discussed the show's ensemble cast, the characters they played, the atmosphere on the set, and behind-the-scenes practical jokes. Henry Colman conducted the interview on April 14, 2004.
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Selections from Harry Morgan's 2004 Archive of American Television interview:
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Highlights
Harry Morgan on his M*A*S*H character, Colonel Sherman Potter
(07m 10s)
Harry Morgan on the tone on the set of M*A*S*H (01m 01s)
Harry Morgan on playing "Bill Gannon" on Dragnet (00m 50s)- Harry Morgan on co-starring on Pete and Gladys (08m 42s)
Harry Morgan on the legacy of M*A*S*H (01m 28s)
Harry Morgan on how he'd like to be remembered
(00m 39s)
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- On his early years and education; on his first acting jobs and early stage work; on moving to Hollywood; on getting a contract at 20th Century Fox and his early film career; on changing his name
- On his work in December Bride
- Chapter 2
- On co-starring on Pete and Gladys
- On the Blacklist (he was neighbors with Lionel Stander in later years)
- On playing "Bill Gannon" on Dragnet; on working with Jack Web; on preparing for the role of "Bill Gannon" and working with a teleprompter; on Jack Webb's directing
- Chapter 3
- On co-starring with Jack Webb on Dragnet; on a typical Dragnet work week and the show's writers; on Dragnet guest stars; on the legacy of Dragnet
- On joining M*A*S*H; on his character "Colonel Sherman Potter;" on preparations for the role; on the medical adviser on M*A*S*H, Dr. Walter Dishell; on his M*A*S*H co-stars
- Chapter 4
- On his castmates on M*A*S*H; on the relationship between "Hawkeye" and "Hot Lips;" on characters' relationships with "Colonel Potter;" on "Radar's" departure from the show; on Larry Gelbart, Gene Reynolds, Burt Metcalfe and Charles Dubin
- On directing some episodes of the series; on the comedy of the series; on the tone on the set of M*A*S*H; on practical jokes behind-the-scenes
- Chapter 5
- On M*A*S*H co-stars Gary Burghoff and Loretta Swit; on winning an Emmy for M*A*S*H; on specific episodes "The Interview," "End Run" and others
- On the popularity of M*A*S*H; on the finale of M*A*S*H; on the legacy of M*A*S*H; on After MASH and The Richard Boone Show; on directing Adam-12 and acting in Kentucky Jones
- Chapter 6
- On the show Kentucky Jones; on Hec Ramsey and Blacke's Magic; on You Can't Take it With You; on friend Norman Lloyd and Alfred Hitchcock Presents; on Gunsmoke, J ack Benny Specials, The Love Boat, and the miniseries Backstairs at the White House
- On guest starring on Murder, She Wrote; on Against Her Will with Walter Matthau; on 3rd Rock From the Sun
- On his feature film work - The Oxbow Incident, High Noon, How the West Was Won; Support Your Local Sheriff, The Apple Dumpling Gang; on directors with whom he's worked
- Chapter 7
- On his favorite directors; on Jimmy Stewart, George Raft, Marlon Brando, Joan Crawford, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Gregory Peck
- On his proudest achievement; on advice to aspiring actors; on how he'd like to be remembered
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Part Two: Sorry about the typos in my earlier piece.
Your interviewer must have had his questions prepared for him because he never asked any follow-ups but plodded on asking those questions that had already been asked and answered (as mentioned in my earlier post).
This is my first appearance on your site and I will be back to sample some of your other interviews. Hopefully, you'll have moved on to a better interrogator.
As a TV fan I mus comment on the poor job your interviewer did. I knew more about Harry Morgan than he ever drew out from the now late actor. He obviosly didn't listen to any of Harry's answers because he kept asking the same questions even when answered as part of an earlier question.
Herry was a Legend for american industry.. He was one of the greatest film actor..
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Interview transcription
Harry Morgan was one of the excellent american actor. He was acting more than hundred movies. So His death is the biggest lost for american film industry. Excellent interview with greatest legend.. Thanks for this post..
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Interview Transcription
Harry was one of the wonderful, sensational actors who would always understand the meaning of "groundbreaking television," though he got to do a combination of everything. I truly saw him a little bit on MASH, and will own the entire DVD collection for Christmas. Also, on my Facebook page & by e-mail, I'm gathering my friends to paying tribute to Harry, who tackled everything, from the movies to the stage to even television. He obviously had a long, faithful life.
Gary Collins II, Ypsilanti, MI
So lovely to see this. Was really moved to find out he had passed away, what a great age and contribution he made for many years.
He played a fabulous, warm character in MASH, and his talent for creating Col Potter was what made the show sparkle and linger in the memory.
A special guy.
Jane, UK.
A truely great actor. I have enjoyed his acting for the last 50 years or so. RIP Harry, we will miss you. "The war is over...go home and rest"
WHY DOES THIS DEFAULT TO 3 OF 7. WHERE IS #1?
To date still one of my favorite actors. R.I.P. Harry and thank you for sharing your life with all of ours.
Fantastic show, worthwhile stories... Harry Morgan was a normal guy with a great talent. Few and far between these days. RIP
R.I.P. Harry and thank you for all the wonderful acting you gave us. I remember you in "Orchestra Wives" with Glenn Miller and his orchestra from 1942. A great part, although a small one, but you made an impression on me then and onwards with all movie and TV appearances!
I as well am a NO ! FAN of the M*A*S*H* show. My Dad served in Korea and was just like Hawkeye he was a prankster etc. he also had a stil like him it was amazing having a Dad like he !He also has passed but will never be forgotten! Harry you will indeed be missed but not forgotten ! When I miss my Dad I just watch MASH and it always makes me laugh! thank you!
Have not seen much of Harry`s early acting achievements, but loved him in MASH, now will have to track down his earlier parts.
In MASH you gave me so much joy as all the actors of MASH as I have the whole series on DVD and still watch them.
Harry rest in peace you have certainly earned it, sad that we pass on, but you will never be forgotten.
I remember him all the way from the Pete and Gladys days when I was a child. What a nice man. A gentleman and class act. He was able to portray funny, serious and all those characteristics in between.
Harry was a great actor & well rounded loving man, Rest in peace Harry You will be Missed.
I always enjoyed watching Harry. He was wonderful in Pete and Gladys and continued to be a memorable actor, from Dragnet to Mash.
Harry Rest in Peace,
Considering all that he has done and done well over so many years.
Wouldn't every actor today like to be as lucky as him ?
Thanks Harry !
.. he and my grandpa born and passed same year.
...Gosh I love them both... R.I.P. Harry.... xoxoxox
A great actor....could play any character...shall be missed.
So long Harry. You have kept us laughing and entertained form the start. RIP
We lost one of the great ones today! Harry Morgan was a great man and a class act throughout his life. RIP, Colonel Potter!
@bigcheese1973 HGWT5763. 01/07/10/2011 A.D. HARRY MORGAN WAS BORN HARRY BRATSBERG IN DETROIT,MICHIGAN ON APRIL 10,1915. HE IS 96 YEARS YOUNG. HIS CO-STAR FROM 'PETE AND GLADYS',CARA WILLIAMS,TURNED 86 IN FEBRUARY-MAY THEY BOTH LIVE TO BE A THOUSAND!
I liked Harry Morgan's character in the 1976 movie, "The Shootist," in which he co-starred with John Wayne. For those of you who don't know, he played Marshal Thibido
God Bless Mr. Morgan. Happy Birthday to him on his 96th birthday!
Why the 'e' in Bratsberg? His brother Arnold, my grandfather went by Bratsburg, as do I.
I like him in Mash and Dragnet. I'll have to see the many other film's he's acted in. God bless you Mr. Morgan.
Amazing actor - glad he's still around - gonna be 96 years old!!!
@shiyboy4 That's weird
im shocked but thrilled that hes still alive, 95 wow. im very happy about that.
unfortunatly
larry linvile is deceased died due to complications after surgery
and mclean stevenson is also deceased due to cardiac arrest during surgery, a day later Roger Bowen who played Henry Blake in the original movie died of cardiac arrest
He will be turning 96 is april. i hope he makes it longer. what a trooper
Harry Morgan is still just as vibrant and sharp as he was as Col. Potter on M*A*S*H. His voice is strong just as it was on the show. Awesome!
@Audaciousdaisies well said, we are truly a culture in decline..
Thought he retired to Pismo Beach... lol
Harry Morgan is a class act. Two of my favorite characters in TV history is Officer Bill Gannon, and Colo. Sherman Potter.
I hope Harry lives to be 150!
@jaws553 He said he was born in 1915 not 1950. I think you might have some hearing issues.
Happy Year 2011 for Harry Morgan
@tophernates well, he said he was born in 1950 and he is in his 80s so he might have had some mental issues
what kind of interview is this? It's like an interrogation. The guy is a famous actor give hm some credit aka props.
is he still alive today
Why is the interviewer behaving like an interrogator? Name, date of birth...Who starts off an interview like that?
@tophernates Not as bad as you being a total homo
Is this dude still living?
@alanpetsche Magnificent in "Orchestra Wives" with Glenn Miller. Then, 12 years later he was in Glenn's postumous biography playing Chummy MacGregor, Miller's best friend.
Col Sherman T. Potter the best good to see he still alive love mash
Still alive and kicking! Harry, you are amazing!
Go harry go harry ,wonderful character actor
harry morgan was charged with beating his wife at the age of 81. WTF!
Hary Morgan is the Greatest. his Colonel Potter had Brilliant Surgical Skill, he Reacted Well Under Pressure,Was a Tough and Understanding Commander and Leader.Colonel Potter had and still has Nerves of Steel, Balls Of Solid Rock,and a Heart of Pure Gold.
@alanpetsche Harry Morgan still alive as of September 2010.I love this guy :)
You can tell he gets a little exited when he talks about his Mash character when he briefly states Col. Potter was much like himself. I think deep down in his heart, that was his favorite character he played, even though he may down play it somewhat when he says Dragnet was the highlight of his career. I of course am guessing here.
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