Wayne Morris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wayne Morris
Morris in 1948
Born	Bert DeWayne Morris Jr. (1914-02-17)February 17, 1914 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	September 14, 1959(1959-09-14) (aged 45) Aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard, U.S.
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1936–1959
Spouse(s)	Leonora Hornblow ​ ​ (m. 1939; div. 1940)​ Patricia Ann O'Rourke ​ ​ (m. 1942; died 1959)​

Wayne Morris (born Bert DeWayne Morris Jr. on February 17, 1914 – September 14, 1959) was a talented American actor. He starred in many movies and TV shows. What's even more amazing is that he was also a brave pilot and a decorated World War II fighter pilot during the war!

Becoming an Actor

Wayne Morris was born in Los Angeles County, California. His parents were Bert DeWayne Morris and Anna Lorea Morris. He went to Los Angeles City College, where he was a strong player on the football team. Wayne learned how to act at the famous Pasadena Playhouse.

His very first movie was China Clipper in 1936. He became well-known for playing the main character in Kid Galahad (1937). This movie was about a young boxer and featured big stars like Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. Wayne also appeared in Brother Rat with Ronald Reagan and The Return of Doctor X (1939).

Hero in the Sky: Military Service

While making the movie Flight Angels in 1940, Wayne became very interested in flying. He learned to be a pilot! When World War II began, he joined the Navy as a pilot in 1942. He put his acting career on hold to serve his country.

The Navy first thought Wayne was too big to fly fighter planes. But he really wanted to fly them! He asked his uncle-in-law, Commander David McCampbell, for a chance. Commander McCampbell helped him, and Wayne got to fly the powerful F6F Hellcat plane. He flew from the aircraft carrier USS Essex with a famous group called VF-15 (Fighter Squadron 15), also known as the "McCampbell Heroes."

Wayne Morris was an amazing pilot. A news story from 1944 reported that he flew 57 missions! He shot down seven Japanese Zero planes. He also helped sink an enemy ship and a gunboat, and damaged a submarine and a cruiser. For his bravery, he received four Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals.

After the War: Later Career

After the war ended, Wayne Morris returned to acting. However, being away for almost four years meant he had lost some of his earlier fame. He continued to act in movies, but many of them were smaller films.

In 1957, Wayne appeared on Broadway in a play called The Cave Dwellers. He also acted on television. He was in an episode of Science Fiction Theater in 1956 and Gunsmoke in 1958. In 1959, he played "Captain Hathaway" on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Family Life

Wayne Morris was married twice. His first marriage was to Leonora Schinasi, but they later divorced. Eighteen months later, he married Patricia Ann O'Rourke in 1942. They had two daughters and one son together.

His Passing

Wayne Morris passed away on September 14, 1959, at the age of 45. He died from a heart condition while aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard.

Awards and Decorations

During his time in the Navy, Wayne Morris earned many honors for his service:

Selected Filmography

Wayne Morris appeared in many films during his career. Here are some of them: