Morris Ankrum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Morris Ankrum (born Morris Nussbaum, August 28, 1896 – September 2, 1964) was an American radio, television and film character actor. 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. 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 more than 150 films, mostly B movies. One standout role was in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's production of Tennessee Johnson (1942), a biographical film about Andrew Johnson, the 17th U.S. president. As Sen. Jefferson Davis, Ankrum movingly addresses the United States Senate upon his resignation to lead the Confederate States of America as that republic's first—and only—president. Ankrum's film career was extensive and spanned 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 (1950), Flight to Mars (1951), as a Martian, Red Planet Mars (1952), playing the United States Secretary of Defense; the cult classic Invaders From Mars (1953), playing a United States Army officer; and as an Army general in Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956). In 1957 he played a psychiatrist in the cult sci-fi classic Kronos and had military-officer roles in Beginning of the End and The Giant Claw.
Known for
ActingBirthday
August 28, 1896Deathday
September 2, 1964Gender
MaleKnown Movie Credits
158Place of birth
Danville, Illinois, USAAlso known as
Morris Nussbaum, Morris Winslow Ankrum, Morrie Ankrum, Morri Ankrum, Stephen MorrisCast credits
Lady in the Lake
Eugene GraysonInvaders from Mars
Col. FieldingI Wake Up Screaming
Assistant District AttorneyThe Postman Always Rings Twice
Judge (uncredited)The Heavenly Body
Dr. GreenHigh Wall
Dr. Stanley GriffinSilver Lode
Zachary EvansCrashout
Head GuardColorado Territory
United States MarshalThe Giant Claw
Lt. Gen. Edward ConsidineTomorrow Is Another Day
Hugh WagnerThe Damned Don't Cry
Jim WhiteheadThe Thin Man Goes Home
Willoughby PeavyKronos
Dr. Albert SternTennessee's Partner
Judge ParkerApache
DawsonFlight To Mars
IkronCourage of Lassie
Farmer CrewsRocketship X-M
Dr. Ralph FlemingZombies of Mora Tau
Dr. Jonathan EggertFrom the Earth to the Moon
President Ulysses S. Grant