Frank Morgan (1890-1949) - Find a Grave Memorial

Actor. One of the most beloved character actors in Hollywood history, best known for playing five roles in the MGM film classic "The Wizard of Oz." He was born Francis Phillip Wuppermann on June 1, 1890 in New York City, one of 11 children of a prosperous businessman. His family manufactured and distributed Angostura Bitters. Taking the stage name "Morgan" he followed his older brother Ralph into show business in 1914, first on the Broadway stage and then into movies. His first film was "The Suspect" in 1916. His career at MGM took off when talkies began, his most stereotypical role was that of a befuddled but good-hearted middle-aged man. In over 100 film appearances, he was nominated for two Academy Awards: for Best Actor in 1934's "The Affairs of Cellini," where he played the cuckolded Duke of Florence; and for Best Supporting Actor in 1942's "Tortilla Flat," where he played a dull-witted Hispanic man. But Morgan's most famous portrayal was the title role in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz," where as well as the Wizard, he also played Professor Marvel, the Emerald City doorman, the Emerald City hack driver, and the Wizard's guard. This film made him so popular that MGM gave him a lifetime contract. Other movies of note include "The Shop Around the Corner," "The Human Comedy," "The White Cliffs of Dover" and his last movie, "Key to the City," which was released after his death. Frank Morgan died on September 18, 1949 in Beverly Hills, California at age 59. He was married to Alma Muller in 1914 and they had one child, George Morgan (who died in January 2003). Frank Morgan has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1708 Vine Street.

Bio by: Edward Parsons