Barry Morse
A versatile and dedicated character actor immortalized as the relentless detective hunting Dr. Richard Kimble on the classic series 'The Fugitive.'
1918–2008 (age 90)·British-Canadian actor·Birthday: June 10·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Barry Morse's career was a transatlantic tapestry woven with classical training and pop-culture immortality. Born in London and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he honed his craft on the British stage before moving to Canada, where he became a stalwart of the burgeoning television and theatre scene. His intense focus and commanding voice made him a natural for authoritative roles, but it was his portrayal of Lieutenant Philip Gerard on 'The Fugitive' that etched him into television history. Morse brought a profound humanity to the pursuer, making Gerard not a mere antagonist but a principled man bound by duty, which elevated the entire series. Never one to be typecast, he later embraced science-fiction fans as the wise Dr. Victor Bergman on 'Space: 1999.' Until his final years, Morse remained fiercely active, touring in one-man shows about Shakespeare and Shaw, embodying the lifelong commitment of a true theatrical craftsman.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Barry was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Barry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
Barry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 70
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1998Turned 80
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2008Died at 90
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Key Achievements
- Played the iconic role of Lt. Philip Gerard, the dogged police detective, on the seminal TV series 'The Fugitive.'
- Portrayed the scientific advisor Dr. Victor Bergman in the first season of the sci-fi series 'Space: 1999.'
- Had a prolific stage career, including performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and touring one-man shows.
- Was a founding member of the Canadian Repertory Theatre in Ottawa.
Did You Know?
He was offered the role of Gandalf in the 1978 animated version of 'The Lord of the Rings' but had to decline due to scheduling.
He was a passionate advocate for the Canadian theatre scene and helped establish several theatre companies.
His one-man show 'Merely Players' explored the lives of famous actors from history.
He published a novel titled 'The Governor's Lady.'
“The only thing an actor truly owns is his technique; the rest is borrowed.”
