Frank Morgan, a charismatic and flamboyant individual, born Francis Wuppermann, will be eternally remembered for his iconic portrayal of the title character in the 1939 film classic, The Wizard of Oz. However, his illustrious acting career spanned decades, with a plethora of outstanding performances both preceding and succeeding his most famous role.
Born into a wealthy family as one of 11 children, Morgan followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Ralph Morgan (born Raphael Wuppermann),to pursue a career in acting. He made his Broadway debut in 1914 and his film debut two years later, commencing a journey that would cement his reputation as a versatile and accomplished thespian.
Morgan's acting repertoire was characterized by his knack for playing refined, eccentric, or befuddled characters, often imbued with a sense of vulnerability and empathy. Notable examples of his impressive range include his roles as the troubled telegraph operator in The Human Comedy (1943) and the shop owner in The Shop Around the Corner (1940).
Throughout his career, Morgan received widespread recognition, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his captivating performance in The Affairs of Cellini (1934).
Sadly, Frank Morgan's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 59 due to a heart attack on September 18, 1949, in Beverly Hills, California.
