Vic Morrow
Actor
About Vic Morrow
Victor Morrow was born in 1929 in the Bronx, New York, and rose to prominence as one of television's most compelling actors during the 1960s. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he studied at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg, developing his method acting technique. His breakthrough came with the controversial film 'Blackboard Jungle' (1955), followed by his iconic role as Sergeant Chip Saunders in the groundbreaking WWII series 'Combat!' (1962-1967), which earned him critical acclaim and made him a household name. Throughout the 1970s, Morrow successfully transitioned between film and television, often portraying tough, complex characters in productions like 'Dirty Mary Crazy Larry' (1974) and 'The Bad News Bears' (1976). His career was tragically cut short on July 23, 1982, when he was killed along with two child actors during a helicopter stunt accident on the set of 'Twilight Zone: The Movie.' Morrow was known for his intense, naturalistic acting style and his dedication to authentic character portrayals, particularly of working-class and military figures.
The Craft
On Screen
Method actor known for his intense, naturalistic performances and ability to portray complex, often troubled characters with authenticity and depth
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'Blackboard Jungle' (1955)
- Starred as Sergeant Saunders in 'Combat!' TV series (1962-1967)
- Directed and starred in 'The Black Marble' (1980)
- Memorable role in 'The Bad News Bears' (1976)
- Final appearance in 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' (1983)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series for 'Combat!' (1963)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1995, posthumous)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Vic Morrow's portrayal of Sergeant Saunders in 'Combat!' set a new standard for television war dramas, bringing unprecedented realism and emotional depth to the small screen. His method approach influenced a generation of television actors, and his work helped establish television as a legitimate medium for serious dramatic performances during the 1960s. The tragedy of his death led to sweeping reforms in film safety protocols and changed industry standards for stunt coordination and child actor protection.
Lasting Legacy
Morrow is remembered as a pioneering television actor who brought cinematic quality and psychological complexity to TV drama. His death remains one of Hollywood's most tragic accidents, resulting in landmark legal cases that improved on-set safety. His daughters, particularly Jennifer Jason Leigh, have continued his acting legacy in their own successful careers.
Who They Inspired
Morrow's naturalistic acting style influenced television actors throughout the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in dramatic series. His dedication to method acting helped legitimize television as a medium for serious dramatic performance, paving the way for more sophisticated TV programming in subsequent decades.
Off Screen
Morrow was married twice and had two daughters who both became actresses. He was known for his intense dedication to his craft and sometimes difficult personality on set. His tragic death led to major changes in film safety regulations and industry practices.
Education
Actors Studio, studied under Lee Strasberg; Served in U.S. Navy (1947-1953)
Family
- Barbara Turner (1957-1964)
- Gale Lester (1975-1982, his death)
Did You Know?
- Was a high school dropout who joined the Navy at 17
- Changed his name from Victor Morrow to Vic Morrow early in his career
- Was originally considered for the role of Sonny Corleone in 'The Godfather'
- His daughter Jennifer Jason Leigh kept her mother's maiden name professionally
- The helicopter accident that killed him led to the first involuntary manslaughter charges against a film director
- He was filming the 'Time Out' segment of 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' when he died
- His death led to the formation of the American Humane Association's Film and TV Unit
- He was 53 years old at the time of his death
- His final film was released posthumously
- He was known for doing many of his own stunts
In Their Own Words
I'm not a star. I'm an actor. Stars are people who have their names above the title. I'm just a working actor.
The only thing I ever wanted to be was an actor. It's the only thing I was ever any good at.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vic Morrow?
Vic Morrow was an American actor best known for his role as Sergeant Chip Saunders in the groundbreaking WWII television series 'Combat!' (1962-1967). He was a method actor known for his intense, naturalistic performances and often portrayed tough, complex characters in both film and television throughout his career.
What films is Vic Morrow best known for?
Morrow is best known for 'Blackboard Jungle' (1955), his starring role in the TV series 'Combat!', 'The Bad News Bears' (1976), 'Dirty Mary Crazy Larry' (1974), and his final appearance in 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' (1983).
When was Vic Morrow born and when did he die?
Vic Morrow was born on February 14, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, and died tragically on July 23, 1982, at age 53 during a helicopter accident on the set of 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' in California.
What awards did Vic Morrow win?
While Morrow received critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his work in 'Combat!', he did not receive major industry awards during his lifetime. He was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995.
What was Vic Morrow's acting style?
Morrow was a method actor trained at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. He was known for his intense, naturalistic performances and ability to bring psychological depth and authenticity to his characters, particularly in portraying working-class and military figures.
How did Vic Morrow die?
Morrow died tragically on July 23, 1982, when a helicopter crashed during filming of 'Twilight Zone: The Movie.' He was decapitated along with two child actors, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen, in one of Hollywood's most notorious on-set accidents.
Did Vic Morrow have any famous children?
Yes, Vic Morrow had two daughters who became actresses: Jennifer Jason Leigh (born 1957), who became a highly acclaimed actress known for films like 'Single White Female' and 'The Hateful Eight,' and Carrie Morrow (born 1958), who also pursued acting.
Learn More
Films
1 film
