Early Life and Family
Robert Drew Morgan was born November 14, 1916, in Mount Carmel, Illinois, to Ross Gorsuch and Nelle Beatrice “Bessie” Morgan. He grew up with siblings like singer and TV personality Jaye P. Morgan. Morgan’s diversified career was shaped by his family.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 14, 1916 |
| Birth Place | Mount Carmel, Illinois |
| Father | Ross Gorsuch Morgan |
| Mother | Nelle Beatrice “Bessie” Morgan |
| Siblings | Jaye P. Morgan, Dick, Duke, Charlie |
Career Highlights
Morgan’s career in Hollywood began in the 1950s, and he quickly established himself in both film and television. He was particularly known for his work in Westerns, where he performed many of his own stunts, showcasing his fearlessness and versatility. His roles in productions like La spada e la croce and The Big Country enhanced his reputation as a talented actor and daring stuntman.
| Year | Works |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents |
| 1958 | La spada e la croce |
| 1958 | The Big Country |
The 1962 Accident and Aftermath
During the filming of How the West Was Won in 1962, Morgan suffered a catastrophic accident while performing a stunt on a moving train. The incident led to the loss of his left leg and significant injuries to his face and spine. Despite the life-altering consequences, Morgan’s recovery was marked by determination, leading to a lawsuit against MGM that settled out of court.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Date | 1962 |
| Film | How the West Was Won |
| Injuries | Loss of left leg, facial and spinal injuries |
| Legal Case Outcome | Settled out of court |
Personal Life
Morgan’s personal life featured two marriages, first to Helen Crlenkovich in 1943, with whom he had a daughter, Bari Lee. In 1955, he married actress Yvonne De Carlo, known for her role in The Munsters. Together, they had two sons before divorcing in 1974. Despite personal challenges, Morgan maintained a strong bond with his family throughout his life.
| Marriage | Details |
|---|---|
| First Wife | Helen Crlenkovich (1943) |
| Second Wife | Yvonne De Carlo (1955) |
| Children | Bari Lee, Bruce Ross, Michael |
| Divorce Date | 1974 |
Later Years and Legacy
Morgan worked as an advocate for disabled actors after his accident. He helped form the Screen Actors Guild’s Disability Committee. His autobiography revealed Hollywood’s ups and downs. Morgan’s passion and endurance shaped the industry.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Advocacy | Screen Actors Guild’s Committee for Performers with Disabilities |
| Publications | Hollywood At My Feet (1993) |
| Notable Films Post-Accident | Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969), The Culpepper Cattle Co. (1972) |
FAQ
The cause of Robert Drew Morgan’s accident?
Morgan’s accident occurred due to a malfunction while performing a stunt on a moving train during the filming of How the West Was Won.
Who were Robert Drew Morgan’s noteworthy relatives?
Among his siblings was musician and TV personality Jaye P. Morgan.
What did Morgan do for disabled actors?
He helped form the Screen Actors Guild’s Disability Committee.
How did Robert Drew Morgan keep working after his accident?
Morgan fought for disabled performers and starred in several films with a prosthetic limb.
What happened with Morgan’s MGM lawsuit?
Morgan received a little settlement after expenses following the out-of-court settlement.
