- Born
- Died
- Birth nameFrancis Philip Wuppermann
- Height1.73 m
- Jovial, somewhat flamboyant Frank Morgan (born Francis Wuppermann) will forever be remembered as the title character in Le Magicien d'Oz (1939), but he was a veteran and respected actor long before he played that part, and turned in outstanding performances both before and after that film. One of 11 children of a wealthy manufacturer, Morgan followed his older brother, Ralph Morgan (born Raphael Wuppermann) into the acting profession, making his Broadway debut in 1914 and his film debut two years later. Morgan specialized in playing courtly, sometimes eccentric or befuddled but ultimately sympathetic characters, such as the alcoholic telegraph operator in Et la vie continue (1943) or the shop owner in Rendez-vous (1940). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for Les amours de Cellini (1934). Frank Morgan died at age 59 of a heart attack on September 18, 1949 in Beverly Hills, California.- IMDb mini biography by: frankfob2@yahoo.com
- SpouseAlma Rose Muller(March 11, 1914 - September 18, 1949) (his death, 1 child)
- Children
- ParentsGeorge WuppermannJosephine Wright Hancox
- RelativesRalph Morgan(Sibling)Claudia Morgan(Niece or Nephew)
- Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch in Le Magicien d'Oz (1939), said that whenever she saw the scene where Frank Morgan, as the Wizard, is giving Dorothy's friends gifts from his "black bag" (a diploma for the Scarecrow, a ticking heart for the Tin Man, and a medal for the Cowardly Lion), she got teary eyed, because "Frank Morgan was just like that in real life - very generous".
- Of his ten brothers and sisters, he was closest to brother Carlos Domaso Siegert Wuppermann (aka Carlyle Morgan) (1887-1919) whose death while serving in the United States Army's Corps of Intelligence Police in Germany was initially deemed a suicide. It was later learned he was murdered by a fellow soldier. Carlyle was a writer, poet, playwright and actor. Frank appeared in his deceased brother's play "The Triumph of X" in 1921 on Broadway.
- W.C. Fields was originally considered for Morgan's role in Le Magicien d'Oz (1939). However, Fields haggled endlessly over salary, and the role was given to Morgan.
- Was cast in the role of Buffalo Bill Cody in the MGM film Annie, la reine du cirque (1950) but died in his sleep of a heart attack after shooting only the opening scene. He was replaced by MGM contract player Louis Calhern.
- A boy soprano in church, some of his early pre-acting jobs included selling toothbrushes, soliciting advertisements, and bronco busting.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content