American actor and singer, Robert Morse, has passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home “after a short illness” at the age of 90 on April 21 2022, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Morse’s close friend and writer/producer, Larry Karaszewski, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late actor, describing him as “a huge talent and a beautiful spirit” as he reflected on their time together in the industry.
“My good pal Bobby Morse has passed away at age 90,” Karaszewski wrote.
“Sending love to his beautiful son Charlie & daughter Allyn. Had so much fin hanging with Bobby over the years – filming People v OJ & hosting so many screenings (How to Succeed, Loved One, That’s Life).”
Fans took to the post to share their own tributes to the actor as they reflected on his legacy.
“My deepest condolences. He could do it all. A great life. Prolific actor!” one fan wrote.
“I loved Morse so much. What a full life. I’m sorry. When I was a kid wanting to make movies, I always thought the best part would be to make friends with the creators you admire. You have done that, @Karaszewski How wonderful! “The moon belongs to everyone,” commented another.
Friends and family also left their condolences for Morse as they recalled their touching experiences with the late actor.
“Not only was he my father in law, grandpa to my two boys, but he was my buddy, especially watching sports, and will be sorely missed. What a gift he was to all of us. A genius. The Great Robert Morse has passed. RIP Grandpa Bobby,” wrote a family member.
“My sweet long time friend- such a gifted man with so much heart! Lord, I will miss him as will many! It’s almost impossible to find words right now,” another friend commented.
The acting icon was best known for his role as the unconventional ad agency boss Bert Cooper in the hit AMC television series, Mad Men and for his vast number of performances on Broadway since the 1950s. The actor was particularly known for his role as J. Pierrepont Finch in 1961’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961-1965), for which he won a Tony Award and for his performances in films including The Loved One (1965), Love, American Style (1969-1974) and A Guide for the Married Man (1967).
Throughout his career, Morse was nominated for a series of esteemed acting awards including five Tony Awards, seven Primetime Emmy Awards and four Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG). Of the nominations, Morse won two Tony Awards, one Emmy Award and one SAG.
In an interview with the New York Times in 1989, Morse described his love for theatre, admitting he felt the stage was his true purpose in life.