Brawny Read Lawrence Morgan's collegiate tenure at the University of Kentucky spanned two years, during which he distinguished himself as a star baseball player for the Kentucky Wildcats. Following his academic pursuits, Morgan delved into the world of bodybuilding, subsequently enrolling at Northwestern University to further his studies. His military service with the U.S. Air Force lasted for two years.
Morgan's rugged good looks and physique garnered him attention, resulting in features in several high-profile magazines. This tough guy image preceded his Broadway debut as a mountaineer in L'il Abner, a role that paved the way for his screen debut in 1949.
Morgan's muscular physique ensured a steady and lucrative acting career, with him playing stalwart soldiers, lawmen, westerners, and athletes in numerous TV episodes. His most notable role was that of U.S. Cavalry Sergeant Hapgood Tasker, the eye-patch wearing character in NBC's The Deputy (1959).
Morgan appeared in various roles across multiple TV shows, including Laramie (1959),Gunsmoke (1955),Police Woman (1974),Barnaby Jones (1973),and Lou Grant (1977). His film career consisted of smaller roles, starting with the Shirley MacLaine-David Niven comedy Ask Any Girl (1959) and concluding with a bit part as a card dealer in Maverick (1994),marking his retirement from acting.
