In Memory Of Harry Morgan

I know I still need to post the 2nd part of my Christmas parade experience but I feel the need to address a "current event" in a timely manner.

Even though he’s been out of the public eye for about 20 years I was saddened by the news of the death of actor Harry Morgan. He passed away this week at the age of 96.

Morgan’s acting career spanned nearly 5 decades comprising of hundreds of roles both in film and on television. But when I think of Harry Morgan I remember him most for three of his many characters.

First there’s his part as Cully, a song writer in the 1966 Elvis Presley movie, Frankie and Johnny. Here’s a publicity shot of him and “The King of Rock and Roll” from the film.

Next is the role of Detective Bill Gannon, partner to Sargent Joe Friday, on the 1960’s TV drama series, Dragnet. He reprised that role in 1987 when he played Captain Bill Gannon in the Dan Ackroyd / Tom Hanks Dragnet movie.

Finally there’s the role that defined Harry Morgan’s career.

As Colonel Sherman T. Potter for 8 seasons on the sitcom M*A*S*H, Morgan was part of ensemble cast that made the show one of the top 25 all-time best as ranked by TV guide in 2009.

Of course M*A*S*H is my personal number one favorite sitcom ever. The character of Sherman T. Potter’s addition to the personnel roster of the 4077th provided the presence of a respectable authority figure. It rebooted the show’s dynamic and allowed the other characters to be funny but less cartoony.


While the zaniness of the first 3 seasons with Mclean Stevenson as M*A*S*H’s commanding officer is classic comedy (quite a few of my favorite episodes are from those initial years). But in my opinion the show would have only lasted half as long as it did if the characters hadn’t become more real. The change allowed the audience to identify with how the hospital staff dealt with the comedy and the tragedy of war.


Harry Morgan’s Colonel Potter,  a combination of stern commander, father figure, and like able but vulnerable friend, was part of the foundation upon which the element essential to the longevity of the show rested.


So it is with a heavy heart that I deal with the news that Harry Morgan is no longer part of this world. Just like Hawkeye Pierce and B.J. Hunnicut in the final scenes of M*A*S*H’s 2 hour series I salute you Harry Morgan. Good-bye, Farewell, and Amen.