M*A*S*H star Harry Morgan dead at 96
Read Time:1 Minute, 5 Second
Harry Morgan, the prolific character actor best known for playing the acerbic but kindly Colonel Potter in the long-running television series “M*A*S*H,” died Wednesday morning at his home in Los Angeles.
He was 96. His son Charles confirmed his death, saying Mr. Morgan had been treated for pneumonia recently.
In an interview for the Archive of American Television, Mr. Morgan said of his “M*A*S*H” 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.” Colonel Potter’s office had several personal touches. The picture on his desk was of Mr. Morgan’s wife, Eileen Detchon. To relax, the colonel liked to paint and look after his horse, Sophie — a sort of inside joke, since the real Harry Morgan raised quarter horses on a ranch in Santa Rosa. Sophie, to whom Colonel Potter says goodbye in the final episode, was Mr. Morgan’s own horse.
In 1980 his Colonel Potter earned him an Emmy Award as best supporting actor in a comedy series. During the shooting of the series’ final episode, he was asked about his feelings. “Sadness and an aching heart,” he replied.
Harry Morgan story excerpts from The New York Times
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
An actor’s best roles are the ones where they have to do the least acting. Col Potter was Harry Morgan. He obviously enjoyed the role and so did I.
This was incredibly sad. I loved his acting, and he will be greatly missed.
I think his MASH role was his best too Bill. Curious that I am so saddened by this. Passing from one generation to the next can be tough. MASH is a staple of my generation.
I remember him fro Dragnet and numerous other shows and movies but I think Colonel Potter was his best.
He played a kind and gentle guy and from what I hear he was playing himself. Bye Colonel Potter.