Dennis Morgan was a popular actor and singer who starred in many musicals and comedies in the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his charming personality, handsome appearance, and pleasant voice. He worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Ginger Rogers, Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, and Errol Flynn. He also formed a successful comedy duo with Jack Carson in several films. But how did he die and what was his cause of death?
Early Life and Career
Dennis Morgan was born Earl Stanley Morner on December 20, 1908, in Prentice, Wisconsin. He was of Swedish descent on his father’s side. He attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1930. He began his career as a radio announcer in Milwaukee and later became a sportscaster for the Green Bay Packers. He also sang on the radio in Chicago.
He moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1930s and started appearing in films. He signed a contract with MGM as Stanley Morner and had a small role in The Great Ziegfeld (1936), where he lip-synced to Allan Jones’ singing of A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody. He then signed with Paramount as Richard Stanley and appeared in films such as Men with Wings (1938) and Persons in Hiding (1939).
He finally changed his name to Dennis Morgan when he joined Warner Bros. in 1939. He got his breakthrough role as a society snob in Kitty Foyle (1940), opposite Ginger Rogers, who won an Oscar for her performance. He then starred in films such as The Fighting 69th (1940), The Desert Song (1943), The Hard Way (1943), God Is My Co-Pilot (1945), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), My Wild Irish Rose (1947), and Cheyenne (1947).
He also teamed up with Jack Carson in films such as Two Guys from Milwaukee (1946), Two Guys from Texas (1948), and It’s a Great Feeling (1949). They were considered Warner Bros.’ answer to Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Morgan also sang in many of his films and had a pleasant tenor voice that suited the musical genre.
Later Years and Death
Morgan’s career declined in the 1950s as musicals and comedies became less popular. He appeared in some westerns and dramas, such as Cattle Town (1952), Pearl of the South Pacific (1955), and Uranium Boom (1956). He also performed on television shows such as The Ford Television Theatre, Lux Video Theatre, and Schlitz Playhouse.
He retired from acting in the late 1960s and became a successful businessman, with extensive holdings in real estate, oil, and cattle. He also supported various charitable causes, such as the American Cancer Society, for which he served as a spokesman.
Morgan was married to Lillian Vedder from 1933 until his death. They had three children: Stanley Jr., Kristin, and James. His daughter Kristin appeared with him in My Wild Irish Rose (1947) when she was eight years old.
Morgan died on September 7, 1994, at the age of 85, of respiratory failure, in Fresno, California. He was buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Escondido, California.
Legacy and Influence
Dennis Morgan was one of the most popular stars of Warner Bros. during the golden age of Hollywood. He received more fan mail than any other star at the studio for six consecutive years in the 1940s. He was admired for his charisma, good looks, good manners, and singing talent.
He influenced many other actors and singers who followed him, such as Gene Kelly, Howard Keel, Gordon MacRae, Pat Boone, and Elvis Presley. He also inspired many fans who enjoyed his films and songs.
Dennis Morgan cause of death was a sad event that marked the end of an era. He left behind a legacy of entertainment and joy that will always be remembered by his fans and admirers.
