Raphael Kuhner Wuppermann (July 6, 1883 – June 11, 1956), known professionally as Ralph Morgan, was a Hollywood stage and film character actor, and union activist. He was a brother of actor Frank Morgan as well as the father of actress Claudia Morgan.[citation needed]
Morgan attended Trinity School, Riverview Military Academy[1] and graduated from Columbia University with a law degree. However, after almost two years' practicing, he abandoned the world of jurisprudence[2] 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.[3]
This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2023)
His first role on the stage came in The Bachelor in 1909 and, in 1913, he joined the Summer stock cast at Denver's Elitch Theatre.[4] Later he played John Marvin in the 1918 hit play, Lightnin' . Morgan made his debut in silent films in 1915, appearing in several productions 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."[5]
Ralph Morgan on the Screen Actors Guild and the professional etiquette between fellow thespians
One of his roles was in the 1942 serial Gang Busters, in which he played a brilliant surgeon turned master criminal. Morgan later worked in both radio and television, frequently in religious dramas filmed for Family Theater.
Morgan has a star in the Motion Pictures section of the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1617 Vine Street. It was dedicated February 8, 1960.[6]
Morgan died on June 11, 1956, aged 72, of a lung ailment.[7][1]
"The Columbia Show". New-York Tribune. New York, New York City. The New York Tribune. March 14, 1905. p.7. Retrieved March 23, 2016– via Newspapers.com.
