[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1681-E1682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GREG MORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, the entertainment world lost a gifted and 
beloved actor on August 27, 1996, with the passing of Greg Morris. 
Morris, who would have turned 62 on Friday, is best known to all of us 
as the electronics genius who helped his fellow agents thwart the 
activities of unscrupulous governments in the immensely popular 1960's 
television series, ``Mission Impossible.''
  Greg Morris was born in Cleveland, OH on September 27, 1934. He 
entered the University of Iowa in 1958 to play basketball; however, his 
basketball career was short-lived. Greg studied communications and 
theater arts and it was from this curricula that his love for the 
theater and acting would grow. Although he did not complete his studies 
at the University of Iowa, Greg expanded his skills in the arts by 
writing a jazz column for the Daily Iowan and producing a radio program 
on WSUI, ``Tea Time.''
  From Iowa, Greg moved northwest to Seattle, where he landed his first 
professional roles in a few minor stage productions. His appetite for 
acting further whetted, he decided in the early 1960's to try his luck 
in Hollywood. Those of us who remember Hollywood during that period, 
can appreciate how difficult it must have been for Greg to strike out 
for the entertainment capital of the world. Although there were many 
gifted African-American actors looking for work in the television and 
film industry, only a few, such as Morris, Bill Cosby, Brock Peters, 
and Diahann Carroll were lucky enough to land roles that did not mirror 
the stereotypical roles historically given to African-American actors.
  Like his African-American acting peers, however, Greg was special and 
his superior acting talents landed him roles in such television 
classics as ``The Dick Van Dyke Show,'' ``Ben Casey,'' ``The Twilight 
Zone,'' and ``Dr. Kildare.''
  Greg Morris was a pioneer for African-Americans seeking serious roles 
in television. His 7-year portrayal of ``electronics wizard'' Barney 
Collier thrilled millions of viewers, and no doubt steered many a 
youngster to pursue an education in electrical engineering, or to 
follow his/her dream to an acting career in Hollywood. I understand 
that Mr. Morris was most fond of the 7 years spent on this wonderful 
series, which was created by famed television pioneer Bruce Geller, who 
also served as the series' executive producer.
  In 1979, Greg moved to Las Vegas to costar in the television series 
``Vega$,'' with Robert Urich. Each week. Greg's character, ``Lt. David 
Nelson,'' joined forces with Urich's character, ``Dan Tana,'' to track 
down that episode's scourge of the week. Greg fell in love with the 
city of Las Vegas and decided to make it his permanent home.

  Greg Morris was married for 38 years to Leona Morris. The couple had 
three children, including the actor Phil Morris, and daughters, Linda 
and Iona.
  Mr. Speaker, I confess to having been a huge fan of Greg Morris. He 
was an outstanding actor; a man who broke down barriers in Hollywood, 
and a man who carved out a rich

[[Page E1682]]

legacy for other aspiring African American actors to emulate.
  I also confess to having loved ``Mission Impossible.'' I took 
tremendous pride in turning on my television set each week to watch 
Greg's character, Barney Collier, develop the most sensational 
electronics gizmo to foil the bad guys. Along with millions of his 
fans, I will miss Greg Morris. I therefore ask that my colleagues join 
me in extending our heartfelt appreciation to Greg's children for 
sharing their distinguished father with us for nearly four decades. He 
was a great actor. We shall miss him and extend our sincere condolences 
to his beloved family.

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