Ralph Morgan Biography

Fast Facts

• Earned his law degree from the New York University Law School
• Was the older brother of actor Frank Morgan, who was most famous for playing the title role in the classic film "The Wizard of Oz․"
• Despite having a law degree, he began acting not long after graduation, making his debut on the Broadway stage in "The Bachelor․"
• Made his screen acting debut in the short film "Seeds of Jealousy" in 1914
• Quote: "(On actors' rights): "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․""
• Best known for his role as the Commander of Paris in "The Life of Emile Zola" and as Raymond Wrede in "The Kennel Murder Case․"
• One of his best roles was in the Eugene O'Neill tragedy "Strange Interlude," which he played first on Broadway and later in London and in the 1932 film adaptation
• Served briefly as President of Actors' Equity in 1924 and later became President of the Screen Actors Guild from 1938 to 1940