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Barry MorseAnglo-American theatre, film and radio actor
Date of Birth: 10.06.1918
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Herbert "Barry" Morse was born on June 10, 1918, in Shoreditch, England. Growing up in a working-class family, Barry showed an early aptitude for the performing arts. At the age of 15, he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. There, he honed his skills, mastering roles like the titular character in "Androcles and the Lion."
Radio Stardom
After graduating from the academy, Morse won a BBC radio prize that launched his career in the medium. He took on leading roles in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the popular radio serial "Send for Paul Temple Again." From 1951 until the 1980s, Morse became a mainstay of Canadian radio, working for CBC on shows such as "A Touch of Greasepaint" and "Investigator."
Stage Career
Morse's theatrical experience was equally impressive. He joined repertory companies in Peterborough and other cities, performing in over 200 plays. In 1941, he toured with the cast of "The First Mrs. Fraser." His London West End debut came in "The School for Slavery," followed by roles in "Escort," "The Assassin," and "A Bullet in the Ballet." Morse formed a long-standing partnership with actress Nova Pilbeam, starring alongside her in the acclaimed plays "The Voice of the Turtle" and "Flowers for the Living."
Film and Television
Morse's film career began in 1942 with "The Goose Steps Out." He went on to play memorable roles in "Thunder Rock," "When We Are Married," and the psychological thriller "Asylum." Other notable films included "Kings of the Sun" with Yul Brynner, "Justine" with Anouk Aimée, and "The Case of the Illegitimate Child" with Faye Dunaway. In television, Morse is best known for his iconic portrayal of Lieutenant Philip Gerard in the ABC series "The Fugitive." He also starred in "Space: 1999" and made appearances in numerous other shows, including "Nikita," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Martian Chronicles."
Personal Life and Later Years
In 1939, Morse married actress Sidney Sturgess. The couple had two children, Melanie (1945-2005) and Hayward (born 1947). In 1951, the family moved to Canada, where Morse worked extensively in radio and theater. He became a Canadian citizen in 1953. Barry Morse passed away on February 2, 2008, at the age of 89.
