Robert Michael Morris Explained

Robert Michael Morris (May 6, 1940 – May 30, 2017) was an American actor. He was known for his co-starring role as Mickey Deane in the reality television spoof The Comeback[1] and as Mr. Lunt in the short-lived series Running Wilde. He also wrote over 100 plays.

Biography

Born in Kentucky, Morris obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and art from the University of Dayton, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting from the Catholic University of America.[2] He taught both high school and college theater before becoming a professional actor relatively late in life and relocating to New York City. "I moved to New York so I could find out what it was like to be a professional actor because my students were all asking questions and all I had was academic knowledge. I didn't have any real professional knowledge."[3] Michael Patrick King, one of Morris's students, and Lisa Kudrow wrote his role in The Comeback with him in mind; King asked him to audition.[4]

Morris also had notable guest appearances in such series as Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, Better Things and 2 Broke Girls. The Season 2 episode of Better Things entitled "Eulogy" features a pre-credits on screen dedication to his memory. It was his last filmed role.

Morris died on May 30, 2017, at age 77.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Terrace. Vincent. Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010. 2011. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Jefferson, N.C.. 978-0-7864-6477-7. 201–202. 2nd.
  2. Web site: Robert Michael Morris, The Comeback Actor, Dies at 77 . Huff . Lauren . May 30, 2017 . . May 30, 2017.
  3. http://www.newnownext.com/robert-michael-morris-is-running-wilde-again/09/2010/2/ Robert Michael Morris is “Running Wilde” Again
  4. Web site: Robert Michael Morris Dies: The Comeback Actor Was 77 . Petski . Denise . May 30, 2017 . . May 30, 2017.