| Morris Ankrum | |
|---|---|
| Born | Morris Nussbaum August 27, 1896 Danville, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | September 2, 1964 (aged 68) Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1933–64 |
| Spouse | Joan Wheeler (1935-64) Gillian Gilbert (? - ?) |
Morris Ankrum (August 28, 1896 – September 2, 1964) was an American radio, television and film character actor.
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Born Morris Nussbaum in Danville, Illinois, Ankrum originally began a career in academics. After graduating from USC with a law degree, he went on to an associate professorship in economics at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley he became involved in the drama department and eventually began teaching drama and directing at the Pasadena Playhouse.[1]
Before signing with Paramount Pictures in the 1930s, Nussbaum had already changed his last name to Ankrum. Upon signing with the studio, he chose to use the name "Stephen Morris" before changing it to Morris Ankrum in 1939.[2]
Ankrum's stern visage and sharply defined features helped cast him in supporting roles as stalwart authority figures, including scientists, military men (particularly army officers), judges and even psychiatrists in over 70 films, mostly B movies. His film career was extensive, spanning 30 years. His credits were largely concentrated in the western and science fiction genres.
Ankrum appeared in such westerns as Ride 'Em Cowboy in 1942, Vera Cruz opposite Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster, Apache (1954) and Cattle Queen of Montana with Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan.
In the sci-fi genre he appeared in Rocketship X-M; Red Planet Mars, providing support to the film's deity-seeking scientist, Peter Graves in another government role as U.S. Secretary of Defense; the cult classic Invaders From Mars (1953), playing Col. Fielding, a U.S. Army officer out to save the Earth from the "Invaders"; and as an Air Force general in Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956) alongside Hugh Marlowe and Joan Taylor. He played a psychiatrist in the cult sci-fi classic Kronos (1957). He also played a military officer in Beginning of the End (1957).
By the end of 1958 Ankrum's film career had essentially ended, though he continued taking television roles, appearing in several shows including The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Dennis the Menace, Cheyene and Rawhide. He also made occasional uncredited appearances in several Roger Corman films.
During this time, he was still involved in live theatre, and continued to direct plays at the Pasadena Playhouse.[1]
He and Joan Wheeler had a child, David Ankrum, best known as Adam from Tabitha. David Ankrum eventually became a Hollywood agent. [1]
On September 2, 1964, Ankrum died of trichinosis. At the time of his death, he had a recurring role as a judge on Perry Mason.[1]
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