Howard Morris
Biography
Howard Morris (September 4, 1919 – May 21, 2005) was an esteemed American comic actor and director, celebrated for his memorable portrayal of Ernest T. Bass on the beloved television series The Andy Griffith Show. Morris's career in entertainment began in the 1940s, initially gaining recognition as a voice actor in various animated productions, where his distinctive voice brought many characters to life.
Throughout the 1960s, Morris made a significant impact on television, not only for his iconic role on The Andy Griffith Show but also for his work on shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Monkees. His comedic talent and versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly between acting and directing, making substantial contributions to the craft.
Morris directed numerous episodes of popular series, showcasing his ability to blend humor with storytelling effectively. His work extended beyond the small screen, as he appeared in films and lent his voice to animated features, including the classic cartoon series The Jetsons and The Flintstones.
Beyond his acting and directing achievements, Howard Morris was a respected figure in Hollywood, admired for his dedication to the arts and his ability to entertain audiences across generations. His legacy endures through his memorable performances and the influence he had on future comedic talents in the industry.
Filmography
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The Nutty Professor
1963 • Mr. Elmer Kelp
Return to Mayberry
1986
High Anxiety
1977 • Professor Lilloman
Boys' Night Out
1962 • Howard McIllenny
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
1977 • Gopher (voice)
The Munsters' Revenge
1981
Way... Way Out
1966 • Schmidlap
The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit
1998 • Leo Zellman
Don't Drink the Water
1969
It Came from Outer Space II
1995
Life Stinks
1991 • Sailor
Transylvania Twist
1989 • Marinas Orlock
Splash
1984 • Dr. Zidell
The Good, the Bad and Huckleberry Hound
1988 • Chuckling Chipmunk /Goldminer /Dentist /Governor /Mr. Peebles /Photographer (voice)
Tom and Jerry: The Movie
1992 • Squawk (voice)
The Magilla Gorilla Show
1964 • Melvin Peebles
The Atom Ant Show
1965 • Atom Ant (voice)
Beetle Bailey
1962 • Beetle Bailey
The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo
1985 • Bogel (voice)
The Archie Show
1968 • Moose Mason / Jughead Jones / Dilton Doiley (voices)
Garfield and Friends
1988 • Wade (voice)
The Jetsons
1962 • Harlan (voice)