RIP Harry Morgan

By GREG RISLING
Associated Press

(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.

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.

 

I always thought his helicopter got shotdown over the sea of Japan?

RIP

Now who's going to yell for Corporal Klinger?

 

Hmm, I was watching an old episode of Dragnight the other night. Hadn't even thought about him in years. He lived a good, long life. RIP Col. Potter.

 

that was McLean Stephenson

 

RIP

 

one of my favorite shows. RIP in peace Sherman T. Potter. sad day.

 

Rest in peace, Col. Potter.

 

Thanks for the good memories, Harry. Rest in Peace.

 

Loved Dragnet as a teenager, even more than the Mod Squad or Perry Mason...a neat dude that could play many parts, old school Hollywood...

 

Oh that was Henry Blake? My bad. Been a while since I've watched them.

 

yeah blake got shot down when he left. i never liked that.

 

War is hell son

 

especially on shows that last longer than the wars themselves apparently.

 

It was a good show!

 

He was good in The Shootist with John Wayne and he did an episode of Twilight Zone also, but I watched MASH every day with my dad when he came home from work. I try and watch it whenever I can. My favorite episode was, "Old Soldiers" where he had to live out a TONTINE, or be the final person. R.I.P Harry, thanks for the good times.

 

Dragnet and MASH Good shows from better times, RIP Mr.Morgan... Jim

 

Harry Morgan RIP...a great actor will be missed...Ken