Ralph Morgan
| Ralph Morgan | |
|---|---|
from The Monster Maker (1944)
|
|
| Born |
Raphael Kuhner Wuppermann July 6, 1883 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 11, 1956 (aged 72) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1908–1953 |
| Spouse(s) | Grace Arnold (Georgiana Louise Iverson) |
| Children | Claudia Morgan |
Raphael Kuhner Wuppermann (July 6, 1883 – June 11, 1956), billed as Ralph Morgan, was a Hollywood stage and film character actor, and an older brother of Frank Morgan (who played the title role in The Wizard of Oz, 1939).
Morgan was born Raphael Kuhner Wuppermann in New York City, the eighth of 11 children of Josephine Wright Hancox and George Diogracia Wuppermann. His mother was a Mayflower descendent and his father, George Wuppermann was a Hispanic and Latino German-born citizen, who had moved to U.S. He had made a fortune by distributing Angostura bitters, allowing him to send all of his children to universities.
Ralph Morgan attended Trinity School, Riverview Military Academy and graduated from Columbia University with a law degree. However, after almost two years' practicing, he abandoned the world of jurisprudence for the vocation of journeyman actor, having already appeared in Columbia's annual Varsity Show. In 1905, billed as Raphael Kuhner Wupperman, he appeared in The Khan of Kathan, that year's variety show.
Morgan became so successful in stock and on Broadway that his younger brother, Frank, was encouraged to give acting a try. Frank's career would eventually overshadow that of his elder brother.
His first role on the stage came in The Bachelor in 1909 and later played John Marvin in the 1918 hit play, Lightnin' .
Ralph Morgan made his film debut in silent films in 1915, appearing in several production made on the East Coast. In the early talkie era, he played such leading roles in such productions as Strange Interlude in 1932 and Rasputin and the Empress also in 1932.
"I have great faith in the sense of justice inherent in my fellow player. I believe he wants to and will fight to correct any injustice so long as he feels confident that this fight will be waged cleanly and in keeping with the high calling of his profession."
...
Wikipedia