Frank Morgan

Frank Morgan. He was an American character actor renowned for his warm, often befuddled persona across a prolific career in Hollywood during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Best remembered for his iconic role as the title character in MGM's *The Wizard of Oz*, his filmography includes over 100 credits. Morgan received two Academy Award nominations and was a beloved figure in the American film industry.

Early life and education

Born Francis Phillip Wuppermann in New York City, he was the youngest of eleven children in a wealthy family; his father owned the Angostura bitters distillery. He was educated at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration but developed a passion for performance. He began his acting career on the Broadway stage, adopting the stage name Frank Morgan to avoid his family's disapproval of the profession. His early theatrical work included touring with stock companies and performing in productions in Boston and other major cities.

Career

Morgan's film career began in the silent era with appearances in features like *The Suspect* for World Film Company. He successfully transitioned to sound film and became a contract player for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where he became one of the studio's most reliable and versatile supporting actors. He was often cast as kind-hearted, eccentric, or pompous figures in films such as The Affairs of Cellini, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination, and The Great Ziegfeld. His performance in *Tortilla Flat* brought a second Oscar nomination. Morgan worked with legendary directors like W. S. Van Dyke and Clarence Brown and starred alongside major figures like Spencer Tracy, Jean Harlow, and Myrna Loy.

Filmography

Morgan's extensive filmography spans from 1916 to 1949. Key silent films include *A Modern Cinderella* and The Girl Philippa. His sound era highlights encompass *The Crowd Roars*, *Bombshell*, *Reckless*, and The Shop Around the Corner. Beyond *The Wizard of Oz*, where he played multiple roles, other notable MGM works include *The Human Comedy*, *The White Cliffs of Dover*, and Courage of Lassie. His final completed film was *Key to the City* with Clark Gable.

Personal life

Morgan married Alma Muller in 1914, and the union lasted until his death; they had no children. He was known for his generosity and was a founding member of the Westwood Village Memorial Park committee. Despite his on-screen persona, he struggled privately with severe alcoholism, a battle that occasionally impacted his work and required support from friends like Louis B. Mayer. He was an avid collector of walking sticks and maintained a residence in Los Angeles.

Death and legacy

Morgan died suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Beverly Hills in 1949. His funeral was attended by numerous Hollywood luminaries, and he was interred at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn. He is immortalized for his portrayal of the Wizard and the charlatan Professor Marvel, roles that have become embedded in global popular culture. Morgan has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is remembered as a quintessential character actor of his era. The Frank Morgan Memorial Tournament is a charitable golf event named in his honor.

Category:American male film actors Category:1890 births Category:1949 deaths