Vic Morrow was a renowned actor, best recognized for his portrayal of 'Army Private Littlejohn' in the iconic television series "Combat!" which aired from 1962 to 1967. Born in 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri, during World War II, Morrow joined the United States Army and served as an Electronic Technician until his discharge in 1945.
After his military service, Morrow utilized the GI Bill to pursue higher education, enrolling in electrical engineering at the University of Kansas City. However, he soon shifted his focus to acting, driven by a desire for fame and attention. Morrow went on to hold various jobs, including producing screen advertising and creating television commercials, until he was discovered by renowned director Robert Altman.
Altman's recommendation led to Morrow's involvement in educational and industrial film production, which he undertook in Kansas City. He later relocated to Denver, where he worked as a news anchor, radio show host, and television producer. Despite his professional success, Morrow grew tired of his work and decided to relocate to Hollywood in search of new opportunities.
Morrow's decision proved to be a wise one, as he landed a role in the television series "Combat!" just two days after arriving in Hollywood. The show ran for six seasons, and Morrow went on to appear in a range of prime-time television shows and six films, including "MacKenna's Gold," "Support Your Local Sheriff," and "Your Money or Your Wife."
Standing at an impressive six feet, six inches tall, Morrow often played villains, and he reported that leading actors enjoyed having him as a foil because it allowed them to appear less intimidating during screen fights. Morrow's tall stature and ability to play complex characters made him a sought-after actor in the industry.
In 1985, Morrow's television career was cut short due to back pain, and he relocated to El Dorado County, California, where he resumed his writing career. Morrow penned a weekly column, "Peabody's Place," for the Placerville, California, Mountain Democrat newspaper, covering a range of topics including reminiscences of his time in Hollywood and social and political issues.
Morrow's life took a turn for the worse in 1996 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite his illness, he remained active until his passing. Vic Morrow died peacefully in his home in Camino, California, surrounded by his loved ones, due to complications from prostate cancer.
