Movies and TV "M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan dies at 96 - Page 3

Deberg_1990 · 12-07-2011, 12:51 PM

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_16...an-dies-at-96/

CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Harry Morgan, who played the gruff-but-lovable Col. Sherman T. Potter on the long-running series "M*A*S*H," has died. He was 96.

His daughter-in-law, Beth Morgan, says the actor died at his home in Brentwood after suffering from pneumonia.

Pictures: Harry Morgan, 1915-2011

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. His roles included playing Officer Bill Gannon, Sgt. Joe Friday's loyal partner, in the revived version of "Dragnet" from 1967-1970, Pete Porter in both "December Bride" and its spin-off "Pete and Gladys."

But it was his role as Col. Sherman Porter on "M-A-S-H" for which Morgan became best known. He first appeared on the show in 1975, when he replaced McLean Stevenson, until it went off the air in 1983.

In an interview for the Archive of American Television, Mr. Morgan said of his role: "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."

Other shows he made guest appearances on include "The Love Boat," "3rd Rock from the Sun," "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Jeff Foxworthy Show." He also reprised his role as Gannon for an episode of "The Simpsons."

Morgan is survived by his second wife, Barbara Bushman (he was married to Eileen Detchon from 1940 until her death in 1985), three sons from his first marriage and eight grandchildren, according to the New York Times. A fourth son died in 1989

**Donger** · 12-07-2011, 01:43 PM

I've never seen M*A*S*H, but I remember him acting in other stuff. RIP.

**fan4ever** · 12-07-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I only remember him from MASH, but liked him in that role.

By the way....

Blake was slightly better than Potter
Winchester was slightly better than Burns
Honeycutt wasn't quite as good as McIntyre
Klinger was fine as Klinger, but couldn't fill Radar's shoes in an expanded role

Overall, they filled in the roles well, though none were really as good as the originals.

Disagree.

Show started going downhill with Blake leaving; way funnier than Potter.

Got worse when touchy, feely, crybaby Honeycutt came on board.

Lost way more when Winchester took over for Burns; Burns was a great character; almost as important as Barney Fife was to the Andy Griffith Show.

Show lost it's way entirely once Alda started directing. Went from being good for a couple of belly laughs each week to some underlying sappy-ass sub-plot. By the time it went off the air I couldn't care less.

**Rain Man** · 12-07-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

This is absolutely correct. He did a guest star spot as an inspection-crazy general named General Steele. When inspecting the troops, Klinger came straight at him in a cocktail dress. Gen Steele looked at him and said "Not now, Marjorie, I'm inspecting the troops!"

That guest spot showed everyone how funny he could be, and had a big bearing on choosing Col. Blake's replacement.

BTW:

Frank Burns was a FAR better character than Winchester. Larry Linville was unbelievably good as playing Burns. It's hard to be a convincing weasel. Linvelle was an amazing guy, and died way too young.

Honeycutt and Trapper, about equal. Both good character actors.

Radar better than Klinger. Both funny guys, Radar did drama better.

Blake better than Potter, but just barely.

I remember seeing a rerun of Steele and finding it mind-bending. Barney Miller was another show that brought back single-episode actors in different roles. I think they had a couple of criminals who ended up returning as cops - Dietrich, and I think either Ron Carey or Inspector Luger. Not worth looking up today.

I'll respectfully disagree on Burns vs. Winchester, though I suspect your view is more common. I always found Burns to be a little shallow for my liking. Winchester had depth and could thrust and parry back against Hawkeye. Burns was just a big dartboard. That said, I agree that Linville played the role well. I didn't know that he'd passed away, either.

seclark · 12-07-2011, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

I've never seen M*A*S*H, but I remember him acting in other stuff. RIP.

donger...you've never seen the movie or you've never watched at least one episode of the tv show?
sec

**gblowfish** · 12-07-2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I remember seeing a rerun of Steele and finding it mind-bending. Barney Miller was another show that brought back single-episode actors in different roles. I think they had a couple of criminals who ended up returning as cops - Dietrich, and I think either Ron Carey or Inspector Luger. Not worth looking up today.

I'll respectfully disagree on Burns vs. Winchester, though I suspect your view is more common. I always found Burns to be a little shallow for my liking. Winchester had depth and could thrust and parry back against Hawkeye. Burns was just a big dartboard. That said, I agree that Linville played the role well. I didn't know that he'd passed away, either.

The writing style of the show changed a lot from the first years to the last years. You're right that Winchester was more complex. Burns had some moments, like after Hot Lips got married, where they gave him some complexity. He also was great in the period between Blake leaving and Potter coming in, when he was in charge.

Don't get me wrong, all the core actors on M*A*S*H were excellent. it's what made the show memorable.

**Gonzo** · 12-07-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Holy shit - Colonel Potter was still alive?

Man, I figured him for dead a decade ago. Way to go down swinging, Harry.

This.

That dudes been old since I can remember.
He had a role in MASH once before he was on full time. He played a nut-job general. It was funny as hell. If you have a chance to watch it, do so.
Posted via Mobile Device

Frankie · 12-07-2011, 02:05 PM

RIP Colonel Potter. You were great in MASH though I could never totally accept you in the place that Colonel Blake built.

**Bowser** · 12-07-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

I've never seen M*A*S*H, but I remember him acting in other stuff. RIP.

How.......is this possible? For either the movie or the show?

WV · 12-07-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fan4ever

Show lost it's way entirely once Alda started directing. Went from being good for a couple of belly laughs each week to some underlying sappy-ass sub-plot. By the time it went off the air I couldn't care less.

I'll give you this one....I loved the Hawkeye character, but Alda was and still is a moonbat IRL.

Frankie · 12-07-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

I've never seen M*A*S*H,....

Too bad for you. Everybody should at least see the first 4 or 5 seasons.

**Donger** · 12-07-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seclark

donger...you've never seen the movie or you've never watched at least one episode of the tv show?
sec

No, I have not.

**gblowfish** · 12-07-2011, 02:09 PM

Alan Alda is like kryptonite to right wingers....

Rasputin · 12-07-2011, 02:09 PM

R.I.P Harry Morgan

&

R.I.P John Goodman

Both good actors & will be missed.

seclark · 12-07-2011, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

No, I have not.

wow...you really should check it out, man.

seriously, and i don't mean to sound like an a-hole, but when i picture you in my mind, i actually see charles emerson winchester.

it's not a bad thing.
sec

**mlyonsd** · 12-07-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Alan Alda is like kryptonite to right wingers....

He's got a point. The show did suck towards the end. And I didn't even know Alda was directing it.

12-07-2011, 12:51 PM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $94454	*"MASH" star Harry Morgan dies at 96** http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_16...an-dies-at-96/ CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Harry Morgan, who played the gruff-but-lovable Col. Sherman T. Potter on the long-running series "MAS*H," has died. He was 96. His daughter-in-law, Beth Morgan, says the actor died at his home in Brentwood after suffering from pneumonia. Pictures: Harry Morgan, 1915-2011 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. His roles included playing Officer Bill Gannon, Sgt. Joe Friday's loyal partner, in the revived version of "Dragnet" from 1967-1970, Pete Porter in both "December Bride" and its spin-off "Pete and Gladys." But it was his role as Col. Sherman Porter on "M-A-S-H" for which Morgan became best known. He first appeared on the show in 1975, when he replaced McLean Stevenson, until it went off the air in 1983. In an interview for the Archive of American Television, Mr. Morgan said of his role: "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." Other shows he made guest appearances on include "The Love Boat," "3rd Rock from the Sun," "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Jeff Foxworthy Show." He also reprised his role as Gannon for an episode of "The Simpsons." Morgan is survived by his second wife, Barbara Bushman (he was married to Eileen Detchon from 1940 until her death in 1985), three sons from his first marriage and eight grandchildren, according to the New York Times. A fourth son died in 1989
Posts: 68,680

12-07-2011, 01:43 PM	#31
Donger "Think BOOM!" Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 33.675° N 106.475° W Casino cash: $6819900 VARSITY	I've never seen MASH, but I remember him acting in other stuff. RIP. __________________ I think the young people enjoy it when I "get down," verbally, don't you?*
Posts: 191,135

12-07-2011, 02:05 PM	#37
Frankie Banned Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	RIP Colonel Potter. You were great in MASH though I could never totally accept you in the place that Colonel Blake built.
Posts: 26,959

12-07-2011, 02:09 PM	#42
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $16886178 VARSITY	Alan Alda is like kryptonite to right wingers....
Posts: 41,020

12-07-2011, 02:09 PM	#43
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $25421	R.I.P Harry Morgan & R.I.P John Goodman Both good actors & will be missed. __________________ "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it"
Posts: 56,933