Robert Morse, who is best known for his Tony Award-winning performance in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and the TV show “Mad Men,” passed away Wednesday at the age of 90. He died in his home after a brief illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Larry Karaszewski tweeted about the fun he had with Morse over the years they worked together. He also sent his love to his fellow actor’s children Charlie and Allyn.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” ran for 1,400 performances from 1961 until 1965. The show garnered seven Tony Awards and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He won a Tony Award for best actor in a musical. He was 31 years old.
In 1990, Morse received another Tony for his role as Truman Capote in the movie “Tru.” He won an Emmy in 1993 for a live performance on PBS American Playhouse.
The actor was born in Newton, Massachusetts on May 18, 1931. His father owned a movie theater chain and his mother studied piano at the New England Conservatory of Music.
The actor served in the Korean War before going on to study at The American Theater Wing in New York in the early 1950s. His first acting job was as a rehearsal singer on “Name That Tune.” An agent heard him sing and signed Morse. In 1956, he played a wounded soldier in “The Proud and the Profane.”
In 1955, he appeared alongside Ruth Gordon in “The Matchmaker.” This was Morse’s Broadway debut. Despite his popularity, Morse did not make it big in the movies.
The actor continued to work on screen and on stage throughout the ’70s and ’80s. before landing the “Mad Men” acting job.
Written by Jeanette Vietti
The Hollywood Reporter: Robert Morse, Two-Time Tony Winner and ‘Mad Men’ Star, Dies at 90; by Mike Barnes
Gold Derby: Robert Morse, legendary Broadway actor and ‘Mad Men’ star, has died at 90
Variety: Robert Morse, ‘Mad Men’ and Broadway Star, Dies at 90; by Carmel Dagen
Featured Image Courtesy of Gabriel Tyner’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Renee Barrera’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
