Greg Morris, born Francis Gregory Alan Morris on September 27, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio, was a groundbreaking American actor best known for his role as Barney Collier in the iconic television series Mission: Impossible. Morris was one of the first African-American actors to achieve widespread fame in a prime-time television series, and his portrayal of the tech-savvy, brilliant engineer on Mission: Impossible made him an influential figure in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Morris consistently broke barriers and challenged stereotypes, creating a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors.
Morris’ journey to television stardom was marked by hard work, determination, and talent. With a career that spanned over four decades, Morris left an indelible mark on the industry, and his work on Mission: Impossible remains one of the most significant milestones in television history.
Early Life and Education
Greg Morris was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. From a young age, Morris showed an interest in performing, and his charismatic presence and ability to connect with people made him stand out. After graduating from high school, Morris attended Ohio State University, where he initially pursued a degree in engineering. However, his passion for acting soon led him to change his focus.
While attending Ohio State, Morris became involved in the university’s theater program, where he found his true calling. His natural talent for acting, combined with his academic background in engineering, made him a perfect fit for the role that would later define his career. After completing his studies, Morris decided to pursue acting professionally and moved to Hollywood to follow his dream.
Early Acting Career
Greg Morris’ early years in Hollywood were marked by perseverance as he worked to establish himself in the entertainment industry. He began his career with small roles in television shows and films, slowly building his resume and gaining valuable experience. During the 1960s, Morris appeared in a variety of popular television series, including The Twilight Zone, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Ben Casey. His performances, though often brief, showcased his versatility as an actor and hinted at the success that lay ahead.
Morris’ ability to take on a wide range of roles, from drama to comedy, helped him navigate the competitive world of Hollywood. His striking appearance, deep voice, and quiet strength made him a memorable presence on screen, and he soon began to attract the attention of casting directors looking for talent.
Breakthrough Role on Mission: Impossible
In 1966, Greg Morris’ career took a monumental leap when he was cast as Barney Collier in the CBS television series Mission: Impossible. Created by Bruce Geller, the series followed a team of elite government agents known as the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) as they carried out covert operations to thwart criminals and corrupt governments. Morris’ character, Barney Collier, was the team’s technical expert, responsible for developing and implementing the sophisticated gadgets and technology that the IMF relied on to complete their missions.
Barney Collier was a groundbreaking character in many ways. At a time when African-American actors were often relegated to minor or stereotypical roles, Morris played a central, heroic figure who was crucial to the success of the team. His character was depicted as intelligent, resourceful, and highly skilled, breaking down negative stereotypes about African-American men in television. Morris’ portrayal of Barney Collier was dignified and understated, making him a fan favorite and an inspiration to viewers of all backgrounds.
Mission: Impossible was an immediate hit, and it ran for seven successful seasons, from 1966 to 1973. Morris appeared in every episode of the series, a testament to both the importance of his character and his popularity with audiences. His work on the show earned him widespread recognition and respect, not only from fans but also from his peers in the entertainment industry.
The success of Mission: Impossible opened doors for Morris and paved the way for other African-American actors to take on prominent roles in television. He became one of the most visible and respected African-American actors of his time, and his work helped to challenge the status quo in Hollywood, where diversity in casting was still limited.
Post-Mission: Impossible Career
After Mission: Impossible ended in 1973, Greg Morris continued to work steadily in television and film. He appeared in guest roles on numerous popular television series, including The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, and Fantasy Island. His versatility as an actor allowed him to transition from drama to comedy with ease, and he remained in demand throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
One of Morris’ most notable post-Mission: Impossible roles came in 1979 when he was cast as Lieutenant David Nelson in the crime drama series Vega$. The show, which starred Robert Urich as private detective Dan Tanna, followed the adventures of Tanna as he investigated crimes in Las Vegas. Morris’ character, Lieutenant Nelson, was a high-ranking police officer and one of Tanna’s closest allies. The role allowed Morris to once again showcase his ability to play strong, authoritative characters, and Vega$ ran for three seasons, further solidifying Morris’ reputation as a talented actor.
In addition to his work on television, Morris appeared in several films, including The Man (1972), The Train Robbers(1973), and McQ (1974). While his film career was not as prominent as his television work, Morris continued to deliver memorable performances and remained a respected figure in the industry.
Return to Mission: Impossible and Later Years
In 1988, Greg Morris reprised his role as Barney Collier in the revival of Mission: Impossible, which aired on ABC. The revival series featured a new cast of characters but retained the same format as the original show. Morris appeared in several episodes, where his character was shown passing the torch to his on-screen son, Grant Collier, played by actor Phil Morris—Greg Morris’ real-life son. The inclusion of Greg Morris in the revival was a nod to the legacy of the original series and its impact on television history.
The revival of Mission: Impossible ran for two seasons and introduced a new generation of viewers to the world of the IMF. Morris’ return to the role of Barney Collier was well-received by fans of the original series, and it allowed him to once again showcase the character that had made him a television icon.
In his later years, Greg Morris remained active in the entertainment industry, continuing to make guest appearances on television and working in various capacities behind the scenes. He was a passionate advocate for diversity in Hollywood and used his platform to encourage greater representation of African-Americans in film and television.
Personal Life and Legacy
Greg Morris was married to Leona Keyes in 1956, and the couple had three children: Phil, Iona, and Linda Morris. Phil Morris followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor, best known for his role as lawyer Jackie Chiles on the hit sitcom Seinfeld. The bond between father and son was strong, and Phil often spoke about the influence his father had on his career and life.
Greg Morris passed away on August 27, 1996, at the age of 62, after battling brain cancer. His death was a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his legacy as a trailblazer and role model continues to be celebrated.
Greg Morris’ contributions to television were groundbreaking, particularly his work on Mission: Impossible, where he helped redefine the roles available to African-American actors. His portrayal of Barney Collier was ahead of its time, showing that African-Americans could be portrayed as smart, capable, and integral to the success of any team.