Harry Morgan, the actor who brought the unforgettable Colonel Sherman T. Potter to life on MASH* for eight seasons, was far more than the wise, warm, and no-nonsense character fans adored. Behind the iconic uniform, Morgan lived a life defined by humility, kindness, and the quiet ways he touched the lives of those around him.
While many remember him for his Emmy-winning performance, the most powerful glimpse into his humanity comes from his final episode of MASH*, where a simple, tender moment revealed more about Harry Morgan the man than the world ever fully realized.
A Dream Interrupted: From Lawyer to Hollywood Star
Born Harry Bratsberg in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915, Morgan’s early life was shaped by his Swedish and Norwegian heritage and the realities of the Great Depression. Initially, he dreamed of a career in law, hoping to become a lawyer. But economic hardship forced him to leave college and take a job selling furniture in Washington, D.C.
It was in the theaters of Washington that Morgan discovered acting, performing in local plays for enjoyment. This hobby quickly turned into a passion, and by 1937, he was performing with The Group Theatre in New York, alongside acting legends such as Karl Malden and Elia Kazan. His talents soon carried him to Broadway, with performances in acclaimed plays like Golden Boy and Thunder Rock, and eventually to Hollywood.
Early in his career, he used the stage name “Henry Morgan,” but since another actor already claimed that name, he adopted Harry Morgan, the moniker he would keep for the rest of his professional life.
Love, Family, and Personal Life
In 1940, Morgan married Eileen Detchon, who would become the love of his life. Together, they raised four sons and shared 44 years of marriage before Eileen’s passing in 1985. During his time on MASH*, Morgan kept a photograph of Eileen on Colonel Potter’s desk—a subtle, heartfelt tribute that reflected his enduring love.
The following year, he married Barbara Bushman, and their marriage lasted 25 years, enduring until his death in 2011. Like any couple, their relationship experienced challenges, including one domestic dispute. Morgan later completed a six-month counseling program for domestic violence and anger management, and the charge was dropped, highlighting his willingness to take responsibility and grow.
A Career-Defining Role: Colonel Sherman T. Potter
Harry Morgan joined MASH* after the departure of McLean Stevenson, stepping into the role of Colonel Potter, a character who would become one of television’s most beloved figures. Surprisingly, even Morgan himself admitted he wasn’t sure why the producers chose him:
“I don’t know just why they called me, to be perfectly frank. In the third year, I played a sort of crazy general in one episode, and they liked me.”
That “crazy general” led to the creation of Colonel Sherman Potter, a character praised for his warmth, wisdom, and sense of humor. Morgan’s portrayal earned him an Emmy Award in 1980, and the series finale remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history.
A Touching Detail in His Final Episode
One of the most endearing moments in Morgan’s MASH* legacy comes from the final episode, when Colonel Potter says goodbye to his horse, Sophie. Few fans knew the story behind it: Sophie was Harry Morgan’s own horse. The scene was a small inside joke, reflecting Morgan’s love for horses and his life on a ranch in Santa Rosa, California, where he raised quarter horses.
Filming the series finale was an emotional experience. Journalist and close friend Tom Sullivan recounted the day in 1983 when the director called, “Cut, that’s a wrap!” marking the end of an era. After the cameras stopped rolling, Morgan quietly expressed his anxiety about the future:
“It’s been a wonderful run, but I’m 72 years of age and now I’m unemployed. Who is going to give me a job at this age?”
Despite his concerns, Morgan’s portrayal of Colonel Potter left an indelible mark on fans and co-stars alike.
Midwestern Values and Humility
Morgan never lost the Midwestern values instilled in him growing up in Michigan. Even after starring in over 100 films and receiving an Emmy Award, he remained grounded. He avoided talk shows and other platforms that centered solely on himself, feeling more natural in the roles he played than in public self-promotion.
His son, Charles Morgan, explained:
“Appearing on a talk show to focus on himself because he was Harry Morgan was not nearly as natural as appearing in a role as Pete Porter or Bill Gannon or Col. Potter.”
When asked if playing Colonel Potter made him a better person, Morgan reflected with humility:
“I don’t know about that, but it made me a better human being.”
Reflections from Friends and Co-Stars
Alan Alda, his longtime MASH* co-star, once said of Morgan:
“He did not have an unadorable bone in his body.”
Morgan described Colonel Potter as:
“Firm. A good officer. And he had a good sense of humor. I think it’s the best part I ever had. I loved playing Colonel Potter.”
Co-star Mike Farrell added:
“He was a wonderful man, a fabulous actor, and a dear and close friend since the first day we worked together.”
Final Public Appearances and Legacy
Morgan’s last public appearance was at the 30th anniversary reunion of MASH* in 2002. He passed away peacefully on December 7, 2011, at the age of 96 after a battle with pneumonia.
True to his life philosophy, Morgan hoped to be remembered simply as “a pleasant person who got along with others.” Friends, colleagues, and fans attest that he achieved this and more, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, professionalism, and a quiet dignity rarely seen in Hollywood.
A Symbolic Goodbye
Morgan’s death on Pearl Harbor Day resonated with fans, as Colonel Potter had come to embody the resilience, bravery, and heart of the American soldier. His spirit continues to live on through reruns of MASH*, which remain popular worldwide, and through the countless lives he touched on and off-screen.
His legacy serves as a reminder that true greatness in entertainment isn’t just about awards or recognition—it’s about the kindness, humor, and integrity one brings to every role and relationship.
Remembering Harry Morgan
From his humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming an Emmy-winning television legend, Harry Morgan’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and humanity. He showed the world that leadership and compassion could coexist on screen and in life.
Whether fans remember him laughing as Colonel Potter, reflecting quietly in heartfelt scenes, or tending to his horses in California, Morgan’s life was a testament to what it means to live with dignity and grace.