Morris Ankrum
Actor
About Morris Ankrum
Morris Ankrum, born Morris Nussbaum, was an American character actor who enjoyed a prolific career spanning three decades in Hollywood. He began his professional life as an academic, serving as a professor of drama and English at the University of California, Berkeley, before transitioning to acting in the mid-1930s. Ankrum's dignified presence and authoritative demeanor made him particularly well-suited for roles as scientists, military officers, doctors, and other authority figures. He became especially prominent in the science fiction genre during the 1950s, appearing in numerous classics such as 'Invaders from Mars,' 'Earth vs. the Flying Saucers,' and 'The Day the Earth Stood Still.' His serious, believable performances helped ground fantastical stories and made him a familiar face to audiences of the era. Later in his career, he made many appearances in television westerns before retiring from acting in the mid-1960s due to health issues. Ankrum appeared in over 150 films and television productions throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation.
The Craft
On Screen
Morris Ankrum was known for his authoritative presence and dignified demeanor, typically playing scientists, military officers, doctors, and other authority figures with a serious, professional approach. His acting style was straightforward and believable, lending credibility to the often fantastical situations in his science fiction films. Ankrum brought a gravitas to his roles that elevated even the most outlandish B-movie scenarios, making them more palatable to audiences.
Milestones
- Transition from university professor to successful acting career
- Became one of the most recognizable character actors in 1950s science fiction
- Appeared in over 150 films and television productions
- Typecast as authority figures in genre films
- Successful transition from film to television in later career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Cult following among science fiction film enthusiasts
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Morris Ankrum became an iconic figure in 1950s science fiction cinema, representing the rational scientific and military authority figures who often had to deal with alien invasions or other extraordinary events. His serious, believable performances helped ground fantastical stories and make them more credible to audiences of the era. Ankrum's distinctive presence made him a familiar face to moviegoers, and he developed a cult following among science fiction enthusiasts who appreciated his contributions to the genre. He represented the archetype of the calm, authoritative figure who brought order to chaos in genre films.
Lasting Legacy
Morris Ankrum's legacy lies in his substantial contribution to the golden age of science fiction cinema and his status as one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors. His authoritative presence and believable performances in genre films made him a favorite among audiences who appreciated the serious approach he brought to sometimes outlandish material. Ankrum represents the type of working actor who, while never achieving major stardom, became an essential part of the Hollywood landscape through his consistent, professional work across hundreds of productions.
Who They Inspired
While not a major star, Ankrum influenced the archetype of the authority figure in science fiction films. His dignified approach to playing scientists and military officers set a template for how such characters would be portrayed in subsequent genre films. His ability to lend credibility to fantastical scenarios influenced how character actors approached similar roles in later decades.
Off Screen
Morris Ankrum was married twice during his lifetime and had two daughters. Before his acting career, he was an academic, serving as a professor of drama and English at the University of California, Berkeley. He was known as a serious, intellectual actor who brought a sense of credibility to his roles. Ankrum continued working in film and television until shortly before his death from cancer in 1964.
Education
University of Southern California (Bachelor's and Master's degrees)
Family
- Joan Marble (1935-1942)
- Joyce Compton (1944-1964)
Did You Know?
- Born Morris Nussbaum, he changed his name for his acting career
- Before becoming an actor, he was a university professor of drama and English at UC Berkeley
- He appeared in over 150 films and television shows during his career
- Despite appearing in many science fiction classics, he was not a science fiction fan in real life
- His daughter Joan Ankrum also became an actress
- He appeared in three different films directed by William Cameron Menzies
- He was often cast in films produced by Sam Katzman
- He appeared in episodes of numerous television westerns including 'Gunsmoke' and 'Rawhide'
- He continued acting until shortly before his death from cancer in 1964
- He was a graduate of the University of Southern California with both bachelor's and master's degrees
In Their Own Words
As a scientist in 'Earth vs. the Flying Saucers': 'The implications of this discovery are staggering. We must proceed with the utmost caution.'
As a military officer in 'Invaders from Mars': 'We must alert the authorities immediately. This is a matter of national security.'
As a professor in 'How to Make a Monster': 'The human mind is a complex instrument, capable of both creation and destruction.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Morris Ankrum?
Morris Ankrum was an American character actor who appeared in over 150 films and television shows from the 1930s to the 1960s. He was particularly known for his roles in science fiction films of the 1950s, often playing scientists, military officials, or other authority figures with a serious, professional demeanor.
What films is Morris Ankrum best known for?
Morris Ankrum is best known for his appearances in 1950s science fiction films including 'Invaders from Mars' (1953), 'Earth vs. the Flying Saucers' (1956), 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1951), 'The Giant Claw' (1957), and 'How to Make a Monster' (1959).
When was Morris Ankrum born and when did he die?
Morris Ankrum was born on August 28, 1896, in Danville, Illinois, USA. He died on September 2, 1964, in Pasadena, California, at the age of 68 from cancer.
What awards did Morris Ankrum win?
Morris Ankrum did not receive major industry awards during his lifetime, though he developed a cult following among science fiction film fans. His recognition came more from his consistent presence in popular films and his memorable performances as authority figures.
What was Morris Ankrum's acting style?
Morris Ankrum was known for his authoritative presence and dignified demeanor. He typically played scientists, military officers, doctors, and other authority figures with a serious, professional approach that lent credibility to the often fantastical situations in his science fiction films.
Did Morris Ankrum have a background in academia?
Yes, before becoming an actor, Morris Ankrum was a professor of drama and English at the University of California, Berkeley. He held both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Southern California.
Was Morris Ankrum related to any other actors?
Morris Ankrum's daughter Joan Ankrum also became an actress, continuing the family's involvement in the entertainment industry.
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Films
1 film
