The Academy Award-nominated film actor Chester Morris, who will forever be associated with the character Boston Blackie, was born John Chester Brooks Morris on February 16 1901 in New York City, the son of actor 'William Morris , which meant he had been a working movie actor for seven decades. Although he was afflicted with cancer, it is unclear whether he took his own life as he was apparently in good spirits and left no note September 11, 1970.
Son of actor William Morris.
Was appearing in a stage production of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" at the Bucks County Playhouse at the time of his death.
Starred as the title character on NBC Radios "Boston Blackie".
In 1952, received the deathbed confession of his friend, Roland West , for the murder of Thelma Todd in 1935.
Brother of actor Adrian Morris and writer Gordon Morris.
His younger of two sons, Kenton Morris, tragically died at age 61 on September 11, 2008, while piloting a private plane. His mother was Morris wife, Lillian.
The Boston haircut where the hair was combed straight back over the crown and cut level at the back was a popular style in the 1940s. The style was made famous by the character of Boston Blackie, played by Chester in 14 films, and its thought that this is the origin of the name.
Morris maternal grandparents looked after the two DeMille boys William C. and Cecil B. when their parents were on tour.
According to director Edward Dmytyk, who worked with Morris on "Confessions of Boston Blackie," the actor hated stunt work but loved performing magicians card tricks between takes.
