Robert Michael Morris was a talented and versatile actor who charmed audiences with his roles in The Comeback, Running Wilde, and many other shows. He was also a prolific playwright who wrote over 100 plays in various genres and styles. He passed away on May 30, 2017, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and inspiration. But what was the cause of his death? And how did his friends and colleagues remember him? In this article, we will explore these questions and pay tribute to the life and career of Robert Michael Morris.
A Late Bloomer in Hollywood
Robert Michael Morris was born in Kentucky on May 6, 1940. He had a passion for theater and literature from an early age, and pursued his education in these fields. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and art from the University of Dayton, and a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting from the Catholic University of America. He also joined a religious order called The Society of Mary, and taught high school and college theater in various locations.
Morris did not start his professional acting career until he was in his sixties. He moved to New York City to gain more experience and knowledge, and landed his first major role in 2005, when he was cast as Mickey Deane in the HBO comedy series The Comeback. The role was written specifically for him by his former student Michael Patrick King, who co-created the show with Lisa Kudrow. Morris played the lovable and flamboyant hairdresser and friend of Kudrow’s character Valerie Cherish, a washed-up sitcom star who tries to revive her career with a reality show.
The Comeback was critically acclaimed but short-lived, lasting only one season. However, it gained a cult following and was revived for a second season in 2014, with Morris reprising his role as Mickey. He also appeared in other shows such as Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, Brothers & Sisters, Arrested Development, The Middle, and 2 Broke Girls. He also played Will Arnett’s nanny Mr. Lunt in the Fox comedy series Running Wilde.
A Mysterious Illness
Morris died on May 30, 2017, at a hospital in Downey, California. The cause of his death was not immediately known, and his representative Sarabeth Schedeen did not disclose any details. , Morris had been battling an undisclosed illness for several months before his death.
Some of his friends and co-stars shared their condolences and memories on social media. Lisa Kudrow tweeted: “We lost Robert Michael Morris today. He left us with many wonderful gifts. Most importantly, an example of what a truly good soul looks like.” Will Arnett posted: “So sad to hear about Robert Michael Morris – he was so talented and hilarious – RIP Mickey.” Malin Akerman wrote: “RIP #RobertMichaelMorris you were one of the great ones.”
A Lasting Legacy
Robert Michael Morris was a late bloomer in Hollywood, but he made a lasting impression with his humor, warmth, and talent. He was admired by his peers and loved by his fans. He also left behind a rich body of work as a playwright, with more than 90 plays that explored various themes and topics. Some of his plays were about Sarah Bernhardt, Michelangelo, Matisse, Sal Mineo, Anna Magnani, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, and a former Nazi camp guard.
Morris once said: “I never planned any of this, so I don’t even think about getting acting jobs. If they call, they call. I sure don’t sit on the sidelines waiting to be asked.” He also said: “I do most of my work on the stage, and typically once the show is over, it’s over.” He lived his life with passion and grace, and left us with many wonderful gifts. Robert Michael Morris cause of death may remain a mystery, but his legacy will live on forever.
