Ryan, S.C. (2002, September 26). For Actor, David Morse, ‘Hack’ Role Hits Close to Home. The Boston Globe, D1,5.

OVERVIEW

David Morse is tired of traveling. Ecuador to film, “Proof of Life,” to Sweden to shoot “Dancer in the Dark,” to Canada for “Bait,” and to Chicago for “The Negotiator.” Morse’s wife and three children, meanwhile, live in a Philadelphia suburb, which is where he’d rather be.

For years this fine actor has struggled in himself: to be the finest of his craft, to provide for his family, and to be with them as well. These goals are difficult to juggle. Particularly when an actor such as Morse seeks with discrimination to find roles that fit his development as an actor with integrity. Celebrity, with all its demands, can bring down a marriage and subtly undermine character.

Not emphasized in this article is the great range of acting roles played by David Morse over the years. He may be best known as Dr. Jack Morrison in the popular 1980s TV series, “St. Elsewhere.” Among other television roles are “Dead Ahead,” “Miracle on 1880,” “Tecumseh,” and Stephen King’s “The Langoliers.” PBS chose Morse to play pastor in the “Diary of a City Priest.” Morse is also a frequent performer on stage including “The Good Son,” “The Getaway,” and “Magic Kid II.”

Movies include “The Rock,” “Contact,” “The Negotiator,” “Crazy in Alabama,” “The Green Mile,” and “Proof of Life.” He has also played the villain in films such as “Extreme Measures,” “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” and “The Rock.”

David and his wife’s home was destroyed in the LA earthquake of 1994. They moved back to Philadelphia where his wife had family roots. Maintaining a close family and finding appropriate acting roles was not easy.

Finally, Morse has the opportunity of an ongoing acting part…filmed in Philadelphia! He plays the part of a cabby in a tough neighborhood. Mike Olansky, once decorated for bravery, has been kicked off the force for stealing money from a crime scene. In this television series, he seeks redemption driving his cab and using his former skills to fight crime. The show isn’t simply a good guy vs. bad guy formula nor a heroic vigilante righting wrong. There is complexity in both Olansky’s character and the situations he faces. It’s a role naturally fitting David Morse’s fine acting style. “I think I can really live with Olansky,” Morse reflects, “We can go a lot of places.” Interestingly, Morse actually had a part-time job driving a taxi one time while working for the Boston Repertory Company (1971 to 1977). The job added to his $40-a-week salary.

It is also the answer to a long-time dream. Ryan quips, “Lucky for Morse, this fall he gets to continue his Hollywood career and come home at night.” As Morse himself puts it:

‘It’s pretty unheard of. I didn’t even think it was possible. To actually go home every day and see my kids is a great thing….I like being a dad. I like going to the grocery store and cooking every night.’

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How well did you know the actor David Morse before reading this article? What, for you, were the most memorable roles he played?
2. When you see successful actors and actresses, do you often think of the days when they needed part-time jobs to survive?
3. How difficult do you think it is for an actor to retain real integrity of character?
4. Many of us struggle in pursuing both vocational and personal/family goals. What, in your mind, does it take to be responsible in both areas of your life?
5. For what do you most admire David Morse?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Personal sacrifices often have to be made in following our goals. There are ways we can minimize the damage those sacrifices may bring to ourselves personally and those close to us. A faith that reaches beyond immediate circumstances is an important factor for many.
2. The popular arts have a responsibility to portray both the complexity and the moral responsibilities of individuals and systems in contemporary life.
3. Without a strong moral foundation, our personal and family lives will suffer, as will the institutions of our society.