Robert Morse, Tony-winning Mad Men star, dies at 90
Robert Morse, the Tony-winning actor who starred as Bert Cooper on Mad Men, has died. He was 90.
Morse's death was confirmed Thursday by writer and producer Larry Karaszewski, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Morse played Bert, founding partner of the Sterling Cooper advertising agency, on AMC's Mad Men for seven seasons. The role earned him five Emmy nominations for guest actor in a drama series. Perhaps his most memorable scene saw him sing and dance to "The Best Things in Life Are Free" while appearing as a vision following his character's death.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"It's just obvious that [Mad Men creator] Matt Weiner really paid homage to me with this episode," he told Vanity Fair at the time. "I get misty-eyed thinking about it."
That, of course, was far from his first musical rodeo. Prior to Mad Men, Morse starred on Broadway in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and his role as J. Pierrepont Finch earned him a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. He reprised the role in the 1967 film version of the musical.
Later, Morse earned another Tony for playing Truman Capote in Tru, a role that also won him an Emmy via a filmed performance of the play. His other Tony nominations were for Take Me Along, Sugar, and Say, Darling.
More recently, Morse played journalist Dominick Dunne in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, and he lent his voice to animated shows like Teen Titans Go! and The Legend of Korra.
"A huge talent and a beautiful spirit," Karaszewski tweeted Thursday. "Sending love to his son Charlie & daughter Allyn."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The next place you'll find Starlink tech isn't a war zone — it's your airplane seat
Under the Radar Several major airlines are offering free in-flight Wi-Fi through the technology
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The fishy diplomacy causing tensions between Bangladesh and India
Under The Radar Exports of a 'sacred' fish were recently suspended during difficult relations for the two nations
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - October 6, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - Sunday scaries, in-fighting, and more
By The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published