Morgan, Frank

(1890-1949)

   Born in New York as Francis Philip Wupperman to a wealthy family, actor Frank Morgan studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He had his first professional engagements in A Woman Killed with Kindness and Mr. Wu, both in 1914. Critics remarked on his handsomeness and refinement of manner, but he was most typically cast in dithering character roles in comedies and musicals, including Rock-a-Bye Baby (1918), Seventh Heaven (1922), The Firebrand (1924), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1926), Rosalie (1928), Topaze (1930), and The Band Wagon (1931). In the early sound era of motion pictures, Morgan became one of the best-loved character actors during Hollywood's golden age, gaining screen immortality playing the Wizard in the classic film, The Wizard of Oz (1939), a part in which his skill in befuddled roles served him to perfection. He was the younger brother of actor Ralph Morgan.