Morris Ankrum
| Morris Ankrum | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Morris Nussbaum August 27, 1896 Danville, Vermilion County Illinois, US |
| Died | September 2, 1964 (aged 68) Pasadena, California, US |
| Cause of death | Trichinosis |
| Resting place | Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville, Illinois |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California |
| Occupation | Actor, lawyer, professor |
| Years active | 1933–1964 |
| Spouse(s) |
Joan Wheeler (1935–1964, his death) Gillian Gilbert (? - ?) |
Morris Ankrum (August 28, 1896 – September 2, 1964) was an American radio, television and film character actor.
Born Morris Nussbaum in Danville in Vermilion County in eastern Illinois, Ankrum originally began a career in academics. After graduating from The University of Southern California with a law degree, he went on to an associate professorship in economics at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley he became involved in the drama department and eventually began teaching drama and directing at the Pasadena Playhouse.
From 1923-39 he acted in several Broadway stage productions, including Gods of the Lightning, The Big Blow and Within the Gates.
Before signing with Paramount Pictures in the 1930s, Nussbaum had already changed his last name to Ankrum. Upon signing with the studio, he chose to use the name "Stephen Morris" before changing it to Morris Ankrum in 1939.
Ankrum's stern visage and sharply defined features helped cast him in supporting roles as stalwart authority figures, including scientists, military men (particularly army officers), judges and even psychiatrists in more than 150 films, mostly B movies. One standout role was in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's production of Tennessee Johnson (1942), a biographical film about Andrew Johnson, the 17th U.S. president. As Sen. Jefferson Davis, Ankrum movingly addresses the United States Senate upon his resignation to lead the Confederate States of America as that republic's first—and only—president. Ankrum's film career was extensive and spanned 30 years. His credits were largely concentrated in the western and science-fiction genres.
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