Robert Adolph Wilton Morley, CBE (26 May 1908 – 3 June 1992) was an English actor who was usually cast as a pompous English gentleman representing the Establishment, often in supporting roles. In Movie Encyclopedia, film critic Leonard Maltin describes Morley as "recognisable by his ungainly bulk, bushy eyebrows, thick lips and double chin, [...] particularly effective when cast as a pompous windbag." More politely, Ephraim Katz in his International Film Encyclopaedia describes Morley as "a rotund, triple-chinned, delightful character player of the British and American stage and screen." In his autobiography, Substantial Gentleman, Morley said his stage career started with managements valuing his appearance for playing "substantial gentleman" roles — as a doctor, lawyer, accountant or other professional member of society.

Early life

Morley was born in Semley, Wiltshire, England, the son of Gertrude Emily (née Fass) and Robert Wilton Morley, a Major in the British Army. His mother came from a German family that had emigrated to South Africa. Morley attended Wellington College, Berkshire, which he hated, followed by RADA. As he was a famous "Old Wellingtonian", generations of headmasters tried to contact him, without success, with Morley stating "the only reason for me visiting Wellington would be to burn it down".

Robert Morley (died 1632) was an English merchant and politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1621 and 1629.

Morley was the son of William Morley of Glynde Place and his wife Margaret Robarts, daughter of William Robarts of Warbleton. He was a citizen of the City of London and a member of the Worshipful Company of Skinners.

In 1621, Morley was elected Member of Parliament for Bramber and was re-elected MP for Bramber in 1624. Also on 27 May 1625 Morley became an alderman for Dowgate in the City of London. He was elected MP for New Shoreham in 1628 and sat until 1629 when King Charles decided to rule without parliament for eleven years. Morley was High Sheriff of Sussex and High Sheriff of Surrey in 1631.

Morley married in 1614, Susanna Hodgson, daughter and heiress of Thomas Hodgson, of Framfield.

References