Morris Ankrum

Morris Ankrum
Morris Ankrum
Born Morris Nussbaum
August 27, 1896(1896-08-27)
Danville, Illinois, U.S.
Died September 2, 1964(1964-09-02) (aged 68)
Pasadena, California, U.S.
Years active 1933–64
Spouse Joan Wheeler (1935-64)
Gillian Gilbert (? - ?)

Morris Ankrum (August 28, 1896 – September 2, 1964) was an American radio, television and film character actor.

Contents

Early life

Born Morris Nussbaum in Danville, Illinois, Ankrum's originally began his career in academics. After graduating from USC with a law degree, he went on to an associate professorship in economics at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley, he became involved in the drama department and eventually began teaching drama and directing at the Pasadena Playhouse.[1]

Film career

Before signing to Paramount Pictures in the 1930s, Nussbaum had already changed his last name to Ankrum. Upon signing with the studio, he chose to use the name "Stephen Morris" before changing it to Morris Ankrum in 1939.[2]

Ankrum's stern visage and sharply defined features helped cast him in supporting roles as stalwart authority figures, including scientists, military men (particularly army officers), judges, and even psychiatrists in over seventy films, mostly B movies. His film career was extensive, spanning thirty years. His film credits were largely concentrated in the western and science fiction genres.

Ankrum appeared in such westerns as Ride 'Em Cowboy in 1942, Vera Cruz opposite Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster, Apache (1954), and Cattle Queen of Montana with Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan.

In the sci-fi genre, he appeared in Rocketship X-M; Red Planet Mars providing support to the film's deity-seeking scientist, Peter Graves in another government role as U.S. Secretary of Defense; the cult classic Invaders From Mars (1953), portraying a U.S. Army colonel out to save the Earth from the "Invaders"; and as an Air Force general in Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956) alongside Hugh Marlowe and Joan Taylor. He played a psychiatrist in the cult sci-fi classic Kronos (1957). He also played a military officer in Beginning of the End (1957).

Later years

By the end of 1958, Ankrum's film career had essentially ended, though he continued taking television roles, appearing in several shows including: The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Dennis the Menace, Cheyene, and Rawhide. He also continued to make occasional uncredited appearances in several Roger Corman films.

During this time, he was also still involved in live theatre, and continued to direct plays at the Pasadena Playhouse.[1]

He and Joan Wheeler had a child, former actor David Ankrum, best known as Adam from Tabitha. David Ankrum eventually became a Hollywood agent. [1]

Death

On September 2, 1964, Ankrum died of trichinosis. At the time of his death, he had a recurring role as a judge on Perry Mason.[1]

Selected filmography

Television

References

External links


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Morris Ankrum — Morris Ankrum, de son vrai nom Stephen Morris Nussbaum , est un acteur américain né le 27 août 1896 à Danville (Illinois, États Unis) et décédé le 2 septembre 1964 à Pasadena (Californie, États Unis). Son visage aux traits… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Half Human — Original Japanese poster Directed by Ishirō Honda Kenneth G. Crane (USA) …   Wikipedia

  • Vera Cruz (film) — Infobox Film name = Vera Cruz image size = caption = director = Robert Aldrich producer = James Hill writer = Roland Kibbee James R. Webb narrator = starring = Gary Cooper Burt Lancaster Denise Darcel Cesar Romero Sara Montiel George Macready… …   Wikipedia

  • The Giant Claw — Données clés Réalisation Fred F. Sears Scénario Paul Gangelin Samuel Newman Acteurs principaux Jeff Morrow Mara Corday Morris Ankrum Sociétés de production Clover Productions Pays d’origine …   Wikipédia en Français

  • L'Homme homard venu de Mars — L affiche originale du film Données clés Titre original …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Lobster Man from Mars — L Homme homard venu de Mars L Homme homard venu de Mars L affiche originale du film Titre original Lobster Man From Mars Réalisation …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Invaders from Mars (1953 film) — Infobox Film name = Invaders From Mars image size = 225px caption = theatrical poster (1978 reissue) director = William Cameron Menzies producer = Edward L. Alperson Jr. writer = John Tucker Battle (story) Richard Blake starring = Jimmy Hunt… …   Wikipedia

  • Cattle Queen of Montana — Infobox Film name = Cattle Queen of Montana image size = 200px caption = Original poster director = Allan Dwan producer = writer = Robert Blees narrator = starring = Barbara Stanwyck Ronald Reagan Gene Evans music = cinematography = editing =… …   Wikipedia

  • Flight to Mars (film) — Infobox Film name = Flight to Mars caption = Promotional movie poster for the film director = Lesley Selander producer = Walter Mirisch writer = Arthur Strawn starring = Cameron Mitchell Arthur Franz Virginia Huston John Litel Marguerite Chapman… …   Wikipedia

  • Juntos hasta la muerte — Colorado Territory Título Juntos hasta la muerte Ficha técnica Dirección Raoul Walsh Ayudante de dirección Russell Saunders (sin acreditar) …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”