Anita Morris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anita Morris
Morris in 1982
Born	Anita Rose Morris (1943-03-14)March 14, 1943 Durham, North Carolina, US
Died	March 2, 1994(1994-03-02) (aged 50) Los Angeles, California, US
Resting place	Maplewood Cemetery, Durham, North Carolina
Occupation	Actress, singer, dancer
Years active	1971–1994
Spouse(s)	Grover Dale ​ (m. 1973)​
Children	James Badge Dale

Anita Rose Morris (born March 14, 1943 – died March 2, 1994) was a talented American actress, singer, and dancer. She started her career on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. She performed in popular musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Nine. For her role in Nine, she was even nominated for a Tony Award, which is a very important award for theater actors.

Anita Morris also starred in many movies. Some of her well-known films include The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), Ruthless People (1986), and 18 Again! (1988). She also had main roles in two TV shows in the 1980s: Berrenger's and Down and Out in Beverly Hills.

Anita Morris's Acting Career

Anita Morris was known for her exciting performances. One of her most famous movie roles was Carol Dodsworth in Ruthless People. In this film, she acted alongside Danny DeVito.

On the Broadway Stage

Her most memorable stage role was playing Carla in the musical Nine. She performed opposite actor Raul Julia. Her performance was very energetic and captivating. She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for this role. Another actress from Nine, Liliane Montevecchi, won the award that year. Years later, Jane Krakowski won the same Tony Award for playing Carla in a new version of Nine.

Anita Morris had a special song in Nine called "A Call from the Vatican." She also sang "Simple" later in the show. She was supposed to perform "A Call from the Vatican" at the Tony Awards in 1982. However, the TV censors thought her costume was too revealing for television.

Film and Television Roles

Anita Morris appeared in many films throughout her career. She played Rhonda Ray in The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), where she acted with Rob Lowe. She also worked with famous stars like David Bowie in Absolute Beginners (1986) and Bette Midler in Ruthless People (1986).

Other movies she appeared in include:

• The Happy Hooker (1975)
• Maria's Lovers (1984)
• Blue City (1986) with Judd Nelson
• 18 Again! (1988) with George Burns
• Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989) with Madonna and Matt Dillon
• A Sinful Life (1989)
• Martians Go Home (1989) with Randy Quaid
• Off and Running (1991) with Cyndi Lauper
• Little Miss Millions (1993) with Jennifer Love Hewitt
• Me and the Kid (1993)
• Radioland Murders (1994), which was her last movie role.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Anita Morris also made guest appearances on many popular TV shows. These included:

• Miami Vice
• Who's the Boss?
• Murder, She Wrote
• Cheers
• Melrose Place
• Matlock
• Tales from the Crypt
• Murphy Brown
• A Different World

In 1984, she was even featured in The Rolling Stones' music video for their song "She Was Hot."

Anita Morris's Early Life and Family

Anita Morris was born in Durham, North Carolina. Her mother, Eloise Chappell, worked in theater production. Her father, James Badgett Morris, was a doctor.

In 1973, Anita Morris married Grover Dale. They had a son named James Badge Dale in 1978. James also grew up to become an actor, starting his career in 1990.

Later Years and Legacy

Anita Morris faced a serious health challenge when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1980. She continued to live and work for many years after her diagnosis. She passed away on March 2, 1994, just twelve days before her 51st birthday. She was buried in Maplewood Cemetery in her hometown of Durham, North Carolina.

Filmography