Tommy Lee Jones assumed Morse's Lt. Gerard role when the TV series was adapted into a full-length feature film starring Harrison Ford. Jones won an Oscar for "supporting actor".
Attempted to enlist in the Royal Navy during World War II, but a physical examination revealed he had tuberculosis which was caught in the early stages and cured.
Born of humble surroundings, he claims he left school at age 14 to escape beatings by his teachers who tried to force the left handed student to write with his right hand.
Father of Hayward Morse, Melanie Morse MacQuarrie, and Barry Richard Charles Morse.
Father-in-law of Don MacQuarrie.
Following his debut in the classic television series "The Fugitive" (1963) as Lt. Gerard - the relentless pursuer of the falsely accused Dr. Richard Kimble - he was given the moniker "The most hated man in America."
He made guest appearances on both "Twilight Zone" (1959) and "The Twilight Zone" (1985).
His character, Lt. Philip Gerard, actually appeared in only 37 of the episodes of "The Fugitive" (1963).
His friend and co-author of his autobiography, Robert E. Wood, said: "Little old ladies would come up to him in airports and whack at him with their purses, shouting, 'Why didn't you leave that man alone?".
His meeting with George Bernard Shaw at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts exerted a long-lasting influence on Morse's life and culminated in his being appointed artistic director of the Shaw Festival of Canada in 1966. He also portrayed Shaw in later years in one- and two-person stage shows. Wife Sydney Sturgess was also renowned for her work in Shavian plays.
Maintained homes in both England and Canada. He died in London.
Performed his one-man play "Merely Players" in order to help establish a show-business retirement home in Toronto.
Sometimes referred to as the "CBC Test Pattern" due to his frequency on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation programming.
The final broadcast of "The Fugitive" (1963) made TV history. It was seen by more than 72% of viewers, a record that stood untouched until "Dallas" and the J.R. shooting some 13 years later.
Was offered but declined a cameo appearance in the role of "Samuel Gerard"'s father in the motion picture version of "The Fugitive" (1963).
Was working as a messenger when he happened upon a public performance by students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He later attended the school from 1935 to 1937 on a full scholarship.