Harry Morgan is best remembered for his role as Colonel Sherman T. Potter on the long-running television series MASH*. But beyond his iconic roles and warm presence on screen, many fans wonder: What was Harry Morgan’s net worth at the time of his death? With a career spanning over six decades and more than 160 acting credits, Harry Morgan left behind more than just memories—he built a fortune that matched his prolific contributions to entertainment.
In this in-depth article, we will explore Harry Morgan’s net worth, trace the journey of his career from Broadway to television fame, and evaluate the personal and professional decisions that helped shape his financial and cultural legacy.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Future Star
Born Harry Bratsberg on April 10, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan, Harry Morgan came from humble beginnings. The son of Henry and Hannah Bratsberg, immigrants of Norwegian and Swedish descent, Morgan was raised in Muskegon, Michigan, along with his siblings Arnold and Marguerite.
During his time at Muskegon High School, he demonstrated an early flair for performance as a statewide debating champion. After graduating in 1933, he enrolled at the University of Chicago. It was there that his passion for acting began to take root.
In 1937, Morgan joined New York City’s Group Theatre—one of the most influential acting collectives of the era. He quickly found himself on Broadway, making his debut in Golden Boy and appearing in a number of other stage productions, sharpening the skills that would serve him for decades.
Career Beginnings and Rise in Hollywood
Harry Morgan’s acting career officially began with his film debut in 1942’s To the Shores of Tripoli. Credited as Henry Morgan in the early years, he quickly carved a niche for himself in supporting roles across various genres.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Morgan appeared in an impressive lineup of classic films, including The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Wing and a Prayer (1944), All My Sons (1948), and High Noon (1952). These roles not only boosted his reputation as a dependable character actor but also laid the foundation for his financial success.
During this time, the Hollywood studio system offered consistent work for character actors like Morgan, who were often on contract. While not commanding star-level salaries, steady roles in major studio productions allowed him to build long-term financial security.
Television Success and Breakout Roles
Morgan transitioned to television in the 1950s, and it was here that he would eventually find both fame and fortune. From 1954 to 1959, he portrayed Pete Porter on December Bride, a role he would reprise in the spin-off Pete and Gladys (1960–1962).
His big break came with Dragnet 1967, where he starred alongside Jack Webb as Officer Bill Gannon. The role cemented his place as a household name. The long-running success of Dragnet and its syndication deals provided Morgan with a solid financial return.
However, it was in 1975 that Morgan secured the most lucrative and iconic role of his career: Colonel Sherman T. Potter in MASH*. Stepping in after McLean Stevenson’s departure, Morgan remained on the show until its finale in 1983.
MASH* was not only critically acclaimed but also one of the highest-rated shows in television history. Its syndication value remains enormous, and Morgan’s work on the show earned him a Primetime Emmy Award in 1980.
Starring in a show of such caliber and longevity substantially increased Morgan’s income through higher episode salaries, residual payments, and guest appearances on spin-offs such as AfterMASH.
Also Read This:- Zak Bagans Net Worth: Inside the Wealth of the Ghost Adventures Star
Film Highlights and Continued Success
Even while dominating the television landscape, Harry Morgan continued acting in films. He starred in Disney classics like The Barefoot Executive (1971), Snowball Express (1972), and The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975), roles that connected him with younger audiences and expanded his appeal.
He reprised his role in The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979) and appeared alongside John Wayne in The Shootist (1976), one of Wayne’s final films.
The variety of Morgan’s work ensured a steady income stream from both theatrical releases and made-for-TV films. In the 1990s, he starred in TV movies such as The Incident (1990), Against Her Will: An Incident in Baltimore (1992), and Incident in a Small Town (1994), keeping his name and face familiar to millions.
Personal Life and Financial Insights
Harry Morgan married Eileen Detchon in 1940, and the couple had four sons. They remained married until Eileen’s death in 1985. Morgan later married Barbara Bushman Quine in 1986.
While his personal life mostly remained out of the headlines, Morgan was involved in a domestic incident in 1996 that briefly made news. However, the charges were later dropped. Despite this, his reputation remained largely untarnished due to his decades of positive contributions to the entertainment industry.
Morgan was known to live modestly despite his wealth. He did not embrace the flashy lifestyle often associated with Hollywood actors, choosing instead to focus on his craft and family.
Harry Morgan’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death in 2011, Harry Morgan’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
This wealth was accumulated through:
- Decades of consistent acting roles
- Long-term television contracts
- Residuals and syndication payments from MASH* and Dragnet
- Directing credits on popular TV shows
- Appearances in successful films
- Earnings from stage and Broadway performances
Morgan also earned additional income from directing television episodes, including for shows such as MASH*, Hec Ramsey, and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. While directors often earn less than top-billed actors, these contributions added depth to his earnings and career legacy.
Also Read This:- Elizabeth Berkley Net Worth: From Teen Icon to Empowered Star
Awards and Recognition
Harry Morgan was not only wealthy in financial terms but also rich in accolades. Over the course of his career, he earned:
- 11 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning once in 1980 for MASH*
- A Directors Guild of America nomination for his directorial work on MASH*
- A National Board of Review Award for Best Actor for The Ox-Bow Incident and Happy Land
- A Golden Boot Award in 1998, recognizing his work in Westerns
- A TV Land Award (2006) for “Coolest Crime Fighting Team” with Dragnet co-star Jack Webb
- Induction into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers
These honors not only highlighted his talents but also elevated his marketability, helping sustain his income into his later years.
Legacy and Final Years
Harry Morgan passed away on December 7, 2011, at the age of 96, after a brief illness due to pneumonia. He died peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home.
Morgan’s legacy lives on through reruns of MASH*, Dragnet, and countless other shows and films. His work continues to earn residual income for his estate, a testament to the enduring value of his performances.
Even in the 21st century, Morgan remains a favorite among classic television enthusiasts, and his body of work continues to be studied by aspiring actors and directors.
Influence on Modern Television
Harry Morgan’s unique ability to blend authority, warmth, and dry humor made him a standout in ensemble casts. His performance as Colonel Potter became a model for balancing leadership with humanity in television writing.
Modern shows featuring military or medical personnel often owe a debt to MASH*, and by extension, to Morgan’s portrayal of its central figure. His disciplined yet compassionate demeanor created a character beloved by generations, and this resonance continues to influence casting decisions and scriptwriting to this day.
Summary: The Value of a Life Well-Lived
Harry Morgan’s net worth of $10 million may pale in comparison to today’s megastar figures, but it represents a life built on hard work, versatility, and artistic integrity. His financial success was not the result of one breakout hit but rather a carefully crafted body of work that spanned stage, screen, and television.
His wealth reflects not just his earnings, but also the respect he commanded across the entertainment industry. He was a consummate professional, a valued collaborator, and a beloved screen presence.
Morgan’s legacy proves that enduring success and wealth in Hollywood can come not only from headline roles but from consistency, character, and credibility.
FAQs
What was Harry Morgan’s net worth when he died?
Harry Morgan’s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2011 was around $10 million.
How did Harry Morgan make his money?
He earned income from a long career in film, television, and theater, including major roles in MASH*, Dragnet, and classic films. He also directed television episodes and received residual payments from syndication.
Did Harry Morgan win any major awards?
Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1980 for MASH* and received several nominations across his career, including from the Directors Guild of America.
Was Harry Morgan married?
Yes, he was married twice—first to Eileen Detchon from 1940 until her death in 1985, and then to Barbara Bushman Quine from 1986 until his passing in 2011.
What were Harry Morgan’s most famous roles?
His most iconic roles include Colonel Sherman T. Potter on MASH*, Officer Bill Gannon on Dragnet, and Pete Porter on December Bride and Pete and Gladys.
Visit For More Information go to:- Virtualsmagazine
