Frank Morgan was a versatile and charismatic actor who played six different roles in the classic film The Wizard of Oz (1939), including the title character. He was also a star of many other movies and stage productions in his long and successful career. But how did he die and what were the circumstances of his death?
Early Life and Career
Frank Morgan was born Francis Phillip Wuppermann on June 1, 1890, in New York City, to a wealthy family of German and Spanish descent. He had ten siblings, one of whom was Ralph Morgan, also an actor. He attended Cornell University, where he studied engineering and joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and the Glee Club.
He made his Broadway debut in 1914 and his film debut in 1916. He soon became a popular character actor, playing a variety of roles, from romantic leads to comic relief. He was known for his expressive voice, his impeccable timing, and his ability to improvise. He was also a generous and kind person, who often helped his fellow actors and friends.
He married Alma Muller in 1914 and they had one son, George Morgan, who became a writer. Frank Morgan was also an avid golfer and a collector of antiques and art.
The Wizard of Oz and Beyond
Frank Morgan’s most famous role was in The Wizard of Oz, where he played six different characters: Professor Marvel, the Wizard of Oz, the gatekeeper of the Emerald City, the coachman of the horse-drawn carriage, the guard who denies Dorothy and her friends entry to see the Wizard, and the Wizard’s giant head projection. He was originally not the first choice for the role, as W.C. Fields was considered, but he declined due to salary issues.
Morgan brought humor, warmth, and charm to his multiple roles, creating memorable scenes and lines. He also improvised some of his dialogue, such as when he says “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain” or when he gives the Scarecrow a diploma from the “Th.D.” (Doctor of Thinkology).
Morgan continued to work in films after The Wizard of Oz, appearing in more than 20 movies until his death. Some of his notable films include The Shop Around the Corner (1940), The Mortal Storm (1940), The Human Comedy (1943), A Stranger in Town (1943), The White Cliffs of Dover (1944), and Key to the City (1950). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for The Affairs of Cellini (1934).
Death and Legacy
Frank Morgan died of a heart attack on September 18, 1949, at the age of 59. He was in Beverly Hills, California, where he had started filming Annie Get Your Gun (1950), playing Buffalo Bill Cody. He had only shot one scene before he passed away. He was replaced by Louis Calhern in the film.
He was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. His grave is marked by a simple stone with his name and dates.
Frank Morgan is remembered as one of the most beloved actors of Hollywood’s golden age. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances that have entertained generations of audiences. He is especially cherished for his role as the Wizard of Oz, a character that symbolizes hope, wisdom, and magic.
