Dennis Morgan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dennis Morgan
in the trailer for the film The Hard Way (1943)
Born	Earl Stanley Morner (1908-12-20)December 20, 1908 Prentice, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	September 7, 1994(1994-09-07) (aged 85) Fresno, California, U.S.
Alma mater	Carroll College
Years active	1936–1980
Spouse(s)	Lillian Vedder ​ (m. 1933)​
Children	3

Dennis Morgan (born Earl Stanley Morner, December 20, 1908 – September 7, 1994) was a famous American actor and singer. He was known for his friendly smile and nice singing voice. He often starred in fun musicals from the 1940s, especially with his good friend and fellow actor, Jack Carson. Before he became well-known as Dennis Morgan, he used the stage name Richard Stanley.

Life and Career of Dennis Morgan

Early Life and Education

Dennis Morgan was born in a small village called Prentice, in northern Wisconsin. His parents were Grace and Frank Morner. His family had roots in Sweden.

He went to Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He graduated in 1930. Later, in 1983, his college honored him with a special award for being a distinguished former student.

Starting His Career

Morgan began his career working in radio in Milwaukee. He even broadcasted Green Bay Packers football games! After that, he became a singer on the radio in Chicago.

Acting in Early Films

Morgan moved to Los Angeles and started appearing in movies. He signed a contract with a big film studio called MGM. At first, he was known as "Stanley Morner."

He appeared in movies like Suzy (1936) and Piccadilly Jim (1936). He also had bigger roles in films such as Mama Steps Out (1937).

Later, he signed with another studio, Paramount. They called him "Richard Stanley." He acted in movies like Men with Wings (1938) and King of Alcatraz (1938).

Becoming a Warner Bros. Star

Dennis Morgan and his wife Lillian Vedder at Ciro's, 1946

Finally, he joined Warner Bros. Studio, and this is where he became known as "Dennis Morgan." The studio often cast him as a friendly, good-looking young man. He starred in many different types of films.

He got a main role in Waterfront (1939). Then he appeared in The Return of Doctor X (1939) with Humphrey Bogart. He also supported famous actors like James Cagney in The Fighting 69th (1940).

His career really took off when another studio, RKO, borrowed him for the hit movie Kitty Foyle (1940). In this film, he played the love interest of Ginger Rogers.

Back at Warner Bros., he made comedies like Affectionately Yours (1941) and Westerns like Bad Men of Missouri (1941). He also acted alongside big stars like Bette Davis in In This Our Life (1942).

Morgan became a lead actor in many popular Warner Bros. musicals. These included Thank Your Lucky Stars (1943) and Shine On, Harvest Moon (1944). He also starred in Christmas in Connecticut (1945) with Barbara Stanwyck.

Teaming Up with Jack Carson

Dennis Morgan often worked with actor Jack Carson. They were a popular duo, much like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. In their movies, Morgan usually played the easy-going singer who got the girl. Carson played the funny, loud friend.

They starred together in films such as One More Tomorrow (1946) and Two Guys from Milwaukee (1946). They also appeared with Doris Day in It's a Great Feeling (1949).

In 1947, Dennis Morgan was even voted "Singer of the Year." He continued to make movies like the Western Cheyenne (1947) and the musical My Wild Irish Rose (1947). His contract with Warner Bros. ended in 1952.

Later Career and Retirement

Jean Willes and Morgan in a TV show (1955)

After his time at Warner Bros., Morgan appeared in TV shows. He had guest roles in series like Crossroads (1955). He also made a few more films, including The Gun That Won the West (1955).

In 1959, he was a regular on the crime drama 21 Beacon Street. By 1956, he had mostly retired from movies. However, he still made occasional TV appearances. He also performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

He returned to films briefly in Rogue's Gallery (1967). His last screen performance was in 1980 on the TV show The Love Boat.

In 1983, Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson were honored. They were inducted into the Wisconsin Performing Artists Hall of Fame.

Charity Work: Two Strike Park

Dennis Morgan was very passionate about helping children. He believed that kids who had nowhere safe to play were already at a disadvantage. He said they had "two strikes against them."

Because of this belief, he worked hard to create a park for children. Starting in 1946, he championed the idea of a park. In 1958, he led a campaign to establish a new public park in La Crescenta. He raised money by organizing baseball games with celebrity friends and professional athletes.

On July 4, 1959, Morgan officially opened the park. He named it Two Strike Park, to remind everyone of his belief.

Death

Dennis Morgan passed away in 1994 due to breathing problems.

Filmography

Selected Features

Images for kids

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  Morgan (billed as "Stanley Morner") appeared as the singing bridegroom in the famous "Wedding Cake" musical number in The Great Ziegfeld (1936), but the voice singing "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" was that of MGM contract player Allan Jones.

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  Morgan was billed under his given name "Stanley Morner" early in his career, such as in Mama Steps Out (1937)

See also

In Spanish: Dennis Morgan para niños