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Chester Morris
Chester Morris, born as John Chester Brooks Morris on February 16, 1901, was an illustrious American stage, film, television, and radio actor. One of five children, Morris was born to Broadway actor William Morris and stage comedienne Etta Hawkins. He dropped out of school, making his career beginnings in Broadway at 15, and debuted in film with the silent comedy-drama An Amateur Orphan in 1917. Morris joined a vaudeville circuit with his family from 1923, performing in a prominent sketch called All the Horrors of Home. He returned to Broadway starring in plays like The Home Towners and Yellow. His pivotal moment came when he was spotted by a talent agent during his performance for the play Crime, leading to a film contract. Morris' sound film debut was in Alibi (1929), which earned him an Academy award nomination. His role as Boston Blackie, criminal-turned-detective, in the Boston Blackie film series of 1940s is one of his career highlights. He later went on to appear in various films, radio series, and theatre productions, retaining a consistent presence despite his declining health. His final role was in the drama The Great White Hope (1970), which released posthumously.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Chester Morris, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Chester Morris rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: John Chester Brooks Morris
Born: New York City, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: February 16, 1901
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1917-1970
Children: 3
Spouses: Suzanne Kilbourne, Lillian Kenton Barker
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Chester Morris
The Big House
The Great White Hope
Three Godfathers
Complicated Women
Boston Blackie’s Rendezvous
Red-Headed Woman
Alias Boston Blackie
Blondie Johnson
Secret Command
The Gay Bride
One Mysterious Night
The Big Parade of Comedy
The Bat Whispers
Cock of the Air
Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood
Gift of Gab
Gambler’s Choice
The Show of Shows
Blind Spot
Confessions of Boston Blackie
No Hands on the Clock
Woman Trap
Pursuit
Tornado
From the Ends of the Earth
The Miracle Man
Double Exposure
Boston Blackie’s Chinese Venture
The She-Creature
Alibi
Sunday Night at the Trocadero
Pacific Liner
After Midnight with Boston Blackie
Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion
They Met in a Taxi
Playing Around
Sinners in the Sun
The Phantom Thief
Tomorrow at Seven
Boston Blackie and the Law
Law of the Underworld
Moonlight Murder
The Marines Fly High
Society Doctor
Flight from Glory
Corsair
I Promise to Pay
Meet Boston Blackie
Blind Alley
Unchained
A Close Call for Boston Blackie
Thunder Afloat
Devil’s Playground
Five Came Back
Aerial Gunner
Hollywood: The Dream Factory
Smashing the Rackets
Sky Giant
Pirate Party on Catalina Isle
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Chester Morris, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1946
The Phantom Thief
Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black
Boston Blackie and the Law
Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black
A Close Call for Boston Blackie
Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black / Cyrus Peyton
1945
Boston Blackie’s Rendezvous
Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black
Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion
Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black
1944
Secret Command
Jeff Gallagher
One Mysterious Night
Horatio 'Boston Blackie' Black
Gambler’s Choice
Ross Hadley
Double Exposure
Larry Burke
1943
Tornado
Pete Ramsey
After Midnight with Boston Blackie
Boston Blackie
Aerial Gunner
Foxy Pattis
1941
Confessions of Boston Blackie
Boston Blackie
No Hands on the Clock
Detective Humphrey Campbell
Meet Boston Blackie
Boston Blackie
1939
From the Ends of the Earth
Self
Pacific Liner
Doctor Craig
Blind Alley
Hal Wilson
Thunder Afloat
'Rocky' Blake
Five Came Back
Bill Brooks
1938
Law of the Underworld
Gene Fillmore
Smashing the Rackets
Jim "Socker" Conway
Sky Giant
Kenneth 'Ken' Stockton
1937
Sunday Night at the Trocadero
Chester Morris
Flight from Glory
Paul Smith
I Promise to Pay
Eddie Lang
Devil’s Playground
Robert Mason
1935
Pursuit
Mitch Mitchell
Society Doctor
Dr. Morgan
Pirate Party on Catalina Isle
Pirate Captain (uncredited)
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