I, along with many of you, grew up watching M*A*S*H on television. I was in high school before I began watching it because I didn't realize it was a comedy as much as anything, just thought it was a war show. I loved it and still do. Harry Morgan wasn't the first Colonel on the show to try to keep Hawkeye-Pierce and Hunnicutt in line but he made the part his own.

Harry Morgan passed away Wednesday morning at his home in California at the age of 96. Colonel Sherman T. Potter was the character from M*A*S*H and probably what Harry Morgan was best known for although his body of work was much more extensive. He, in fact, appeared in over 100 films during his career.

His career started in the early 40's with "To The Shores Of Tripoli", in the early 60's he had a role in the series "Pete & Gladys" the late 60's brought him the role of Officer Bill Gannon in the television series "Dragnet" and then came M*A*S*H. There were, of course, many other small roles and appearances but those are some of his biggest, most notable roles.

Morgan was married for 45 years to Eileen Detchon with whom he had 4 sons. His wife and 1 son preceded him in death. He then remarried and is now survived by his 3 sons and wife Barbara Bushman.

Morgan admitted that Col. Potter was the best role he ever had; saying "he was firm, a good officer and had a good sense of humor...he was sentimental, very human...pretty much like myself". I think his personal identity with the character made Col. Potter more real and relateable to the audience.

So here is a final toast to a great character Col. Sherman T. Potter and a great actor Harry Morgan.....and his orchestra!

More From KEAN 105