Morris Ankrum Movies and Career Information

Morris Ankrum (August 28, 1896 – September 2, 1964) was an American radio, television and film character actor. Born Morris Nussbaum in Danville, Illinois, Ankrum's originally began his career in academics. After graduating from USC with a law degree, he went on to an associate professorship in economics at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley, he became involved in the drama department and eventually began teaching drama and directing at the Pasadena Playhouse. Before signing to 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 over seventy films, mostly B movies. His film career was extensive, spanning thirty years. His film 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