RIP Harry Morgan

[leigh.bess.toad]

I just read the news that actor Harry Morgan, known to most of us as Col. Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H and Officer Gannon on Dragnet has passed away at the age of 96. Col. Potter was truly one of the great characters in TV history and I can't imagine anyone else in that role. It was tough going onto an established show and replacing McLean Stevenson but Harry Morgan took Col. Potter and made it a wonderful character. I immediately thought of the episode "Old Soldiers" where Col. Potter got word that he was the last survivor of a group of comrades from WWI. And now, with the passing of Harry Morgan, the last of the group now seems gone. His toast to his fallen comrades was brilliantly delivered:

 

"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 Gresky, 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."

 

RIP Harry.

[KMEM]

Yes, I enjoyed that episode where he was the survivor of the tontine. I also remember him being the sidekick of Joe Friday. I thought him a marvelous character actor. RIP.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

I was saddened to hear of his passing earlier today. We scheduled study hours around watching M*A*S*H in college.

[seeker630]

Yes, I enjoyed that episode where he was the survivor of the tontine. I also remember him being the sidekick of Joe Friday. I thought him a marvelous character actor. RIP.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

The style was so dead-pan in Dragnet that I didn't realize he was an accomplished actor until I saw M*A*S*H. Wonderful show!

[+ glutes]

"Horse-hockey"

 

RIP Colonel...

 

http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2011/12/07/ba-Obit_Harry_Mo_0504695360.jpg

[JackTwist]

96 is a pretty good run. I do hope he was as healthy as one could hope in his long, later years.

MASH is, coincident*ally now showing (2 episodes an evening) here in LA on TVLand channel. They've now moved on from Henry (as commander) to Sherm (Col Potter). I will watch this evening with even more nostalgia. I remember Harry, about 10 years ago had a bit of marital strife. I am sensing all that passed and his family remained close. My goodness..*96. Good for you Harry. Another shining star in our night sky.

[JT Brooklyn]

Harry Morgan one of the all time old time great Character Actor's! R.I.P.

[justaguy]

As a kid I loved his character on Dragnet. Then I loved him again on Mash. He was one of the all time great character actors. RIP.

[orbital sander]

I grew up on MASH re-runs, but they used to play them in correct order. I remember when Harry Morgan replaced McLean Stevenson and I thought, really?? the Dragnet guy??? After a few more episodes, however, I was sold and thought he was a brilliant choice. What a great actor, RIP.

[Diverdan]

He was a "one of a kind" actor and was beloved by all his fellow actors, no small feat in a place as cut-throat as Hollywood. I have enjoyed seeing reruns of Dragnet and Mash as well, and think that Henry brought a new depth and breadth to Col Potter.... RIP.