Throughout his career, Morgan starred in a number of television roles — and over 100 movies — but is perhaps best known for his long-running gig as Colonel Sherman T. Potter on the CBS sitcom M*A*S*H, the commander of the American medical unit from 1975, when he replaced exiting actor McLean Stevenson, until 1983.

Morgan's role on M*A*S*H earned him an Emmy award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1980, an award he was nominated for 10 times throughout his extensive career.

Morgan also played the role of Officer Bill Gannon in Dragnet from 1967-1970, and was a regular on The Richard Boone Show in the early 1960s. Before that he starred as Pete Porter on Pete and Gladys alongside Cara Williams as Gladys.

The character actor was also known for his role of Charly Fields on The Love Boat and for appearances on the popular Western drama Gunsmoke, as well as recurring or starring appearances on December Bride, Hec Ramsey, Backstairs at the White House and Blacke's Magic.

In recent years Morgan was seen on The Jeff Foxworthy Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Grace Under Fire and Renegade; in 1995 he voiced Bill Gannon in the “Mother Simpson” episode of The Simpsons.

Morgan was born as Harry Bratsburg on April 10, 1915, in Detroit to Norwegian immigrants. He moved to California in 1942 and, according to The New York Times, was intent on becoming a lawyer when he discovered a love for theatre during in-class debates