Charles Morton (actor)

Career

Born in Illinois, Charles Morton spent his adolescence in Madison, Wisconsin; receiving his education at Madison High School and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He made his first stage appearance at the age of seven and later appeared in vaudeville, stock and the legitimate stage. Morton's career started late in the silent era, first as a leading man, continued into sound features and finally television.

His polished physical appearance, charm and personality were noted by the studios and at the age of 20 signed his first contract with Fox in 1927. Audiences first discovered the handsome youth that same year opposite the studio's leading flapper, Madge Bellamy, in Colleen, one of the era's many comedy-dramas.

Morton went on the star in John Ford's 1928 World War I silent film Four Sons. Morton was also a member of the ultimately tragic circus troupe in F. W. Murnau's near-classic 4 Devils, among the most mourned of the lost films of the silent era. Morton also starred in Fox's None but the Brave (1928).

In 1931, Morton married Lya Lys, but the marriage ended in divorce some months later, not long after the birth of their daughter. Later a dispute over alimony payments would see Morton spending a few days behind bars.

After 1933 with the widespread use of sound film, Morton's career began to lose momentum; and by 1936 his roles were significantly reduced, playing minor roles on television until his death from heart disease in 1966. Even though Morton's career continued into the mid-1960s, almost all of his roles after 1933 were so minor that he was left uncredited for the majority of his performances.