Harry Morgan built a career that stretched across radio, film, and television. He never chased headlines or celebrity drama. Instead, he earned respect through consistency, range, and longevity. Decades later, people still ask one central question: what was Harry Morgan net worth, and how did he build it?
The answer sits at the intersection of classic Hollywood discipline and smart career positioning. Morgan worked steadily for more than 60 years. That kind of durability matters more than blockbuster paydays. By the time of his death in 2011, Harry Morgan net worth was widely estimated at around $10 million, a figure grounded in verified industry sources and long-term television earnings.
Before breaking down the numbers, it helps to understand the man behind them.
BIO / WIKI: Harry Morgan at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harry Bratsberg (professionally known as Harry Morgan) |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1915 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Date of Death | December 7, 2011 |
| Age at Death | 96 years |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Education | University of Chicago |
| Profession | Actor, Director |
| Active Years | 1937–2002 |
| Famous Roles | Colonel Sherman T. Potter (MASH*), Bill Gannon (Dragnet) |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award, multiple nominations |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (at time of death) |
| Income Sources | Television salaries, film roles, directing, syndication residuals |
| Family | Married twice; three sons |
| Lifestyle | Private, conservative, industry-focused |
What Was Harry Morgan Net Worth?
At the time of his passing, Harry Morgan net worth stood at approximately $10 million. This valuation reflects cumulative earnings rather than short-term spikes. Morgan never relied on one paycheck. He relied on time.
His wealth came from three pillars:
- Long-running television roles
- Film appearances across multiple decades
- Syndication and residual income
Unlike modern actors who negotiate backend points, Morgan worked during an era where consistency mattered more than leverage. Still, television syndication later transformed his steady salaries into long-term income.
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Career Earnings Breakdown
Television Success: MASH and Dragnet
Television defined Harry Morgan financial peak.
His role as Colonel Sherman T. Potter on MASH remains his most profitable and culturally significant work. He joined the series in its fourth season and stayed until the finale. By then, MASH had become one of the most watched television shows in American history.
That success created two financial effects:
- Rising per-episode compensation during the show’s run
- Decades of syndication payments after it ended
Earlier, Morgan gained national recognition playing Officer Bill Gannon on Dragnet alongside Jack Webb. The show ran in multiple versions across television and radio, providing Morgan with early financial stability and industry credibility.
Together, Dragnet and MASH anchored his earning power for life.
Film Roles and Early Career Income
Before television dominance, Morgan built his résumé through film.
He appeared in classic movies such as:
- High Noon
- Inherit the Wind
- How the West Was Won
These roles did not generate massive individual payouts. However, they positioned him as a reliable character actor. That reputation led directly to television offers, where money scaled faster and lasted longer.
His Broadway experience, including work in Golden Boy, also strengthened his early career foundation, even if stage acting paid modestly by comparison.
Directing, Writing, and Residuals
Harry Morgan did more than act. He also directed episodes for established television productions, including MASH* and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. While directing income rarely matches acting salaries, it adds diversification.
The real multiplier came later.
Television syndication changed everything.
MASH* entered perpetual reruns across global markets. Each rebroadcast generated residual payments, creating passive income that continued well into Morgan’s later years.
This long tail explains why his net worth remained strong despite retiring years before his death.
Legacy and Posthumous Financial Impact
Harry Morgan’s estate continued to benefit from his work after 2011.
Classic television never disappears. It cycles. MASH* remains a staple on cable networks and streaming platforms. That continued exposure reinforces Morgan’s cultural value and sustains residual revenue tied to union agreements.
More importantly, his career represents a model of financial durability. Morgan never relied on hype. He relied on contracts, professionalism, and staying power.
That approach built wealth slowly but securely.
How Harry Morgan Compared to Other TV Legends
When placed beside peers from MASH* and classic television, Morgan’s net worth reflects balance rather than excess.
Some co-stars earned more during peak years. Others faded quickly. Morgan sat in the middle, combining longevity with relevance.
Key differentiators included:
- Entering MASH* during its strongest ratings period
- Maintaining roles across film and television simultaneously
- Avoiding career gaps that reduce lifetime earnings
In simple terms, he stayed employed when others stalled. That matters more than a single high salary.
Why Harry Morgan Wealth Still Draws Interest
People search “Harry Morgan net worth” not because of extravagance, but because of contrast. His career shows how wealth forms quietly in entertainment.
No scandals.
No financial collapse.
No sudden fame spikes.
Just decades of consistent work.
That narrative resonates today, especially as modern actors face unpredictable income cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Harry Morgan net worth at the time of his death?
Harry Morgan’s net worth was estimated at around $10 million in 2011, based on career earnings and residual income.
Did Harry Morgan earn more from television or film?
Television generated most of his wealth, especially through MASH* and long-term syndication payments.
How did MASH affect Harry Morgan’s income?*
The show significantly increased his earnings during its run and provided residual income for decades afterward.
Was Harry Morgan financially active late in life?
He retired from acting but continued receiving residual payments from syndicated television work.
Did Harry Morgan win major awards?
Yes. He won a Primetime Emmy Award and received multiple nominations during his career.
Conclusion
Harry Morgan net worth reflects a career built on patience, discipline, and longevity rather than spectacle. He never depended on short-term fame or oversized contracts. Instead, he worked consistently across film, television, and directing, allowing income to compound over decades. Shows like Dragnet and MASH* did more than define his legacy—they created durable financial value through syndication and residuals.
At an estimated $10 million, Harry Morgan net worth stands as proof that steady relevance can outperform brief stardom. His career offers a clear lesson: in the entertainment industry, long-term credibility often matters more than peak earnings. That quiet consistency is why his work still earns attention—and income—years after his final role.
Khan is a digital publishing expert who transforms complex topics into simple, engaging articles backed by data and real-world insights
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