Gary Morton
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| Gary Morton | |
|---|---|
 Actress Lucille Ball before her final public appearance, with husband Gary Morton at left. Photo taken at the 61st Academy Awards. |
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| Born | Morton Goldaper December 19, 1924 New York City, New York |
| Died | March 30, 1999 (aged 74) Palm Springs, California |
| Occupation | producer, actor |
| Years active | 1965 - 1990 |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Morrow (1953-1957) Lucille Ball (1961-1989) Susie McAllister (1996-1999) |
Gary Morton (December 19, 1924 – March 30, 1999) was the second husband of Lucille Ball. He was a stand-up comedian, whose primary venues were the hotels and resorts of upper New York State's famous Borscht Belt.
Morton was born Morton Goldapper in New York City of Jewish heritage,[1] and was thirteen years Ball's junior. He had been previously married to actress Susan Morrow. At the time of the Ball-Morton marriage, he claimed he was always busy working nights, so had not seen I Love Lucy.
Morton became closely involved in the management of his wife's career, from the time of their marriage in 1961 throughout the remainder of her career. During Ball's solo years as the titular head of Desilu Productions, Morton and his brother-in-law, Fred Ball, served on the studio's Board of Directors in various capacities. Morton's effectiveness in his duties has, in recent years, come under some scrutiny and criticism. Most notable of these denouncements are those of Herbert F. Solow and Robert H. Justman, whose dealings with Morton during the production of the original Star Trek television series were documented in their 1994 book, Inside Star Trek - The Real Story. Others, including Grant Tinker, have since come forward with their own recollections of Morton's tenure at Desilu, and most cite Morton's construction of a "European Street" - a 3/4 scale replica of a European-styled business district street - as being arguably the most wasteful use of studio funds at a time when frugality was a necessity. According to Desilu and Paramount financial records, and as reported by Solow and Justman, not one television or theatrical production was filmed on this set before it was demolished in 1977. If Morton had thought working for Ball would be an easy ride, he was mistaken. By the accounts of all present, it was common for Ball to accuse Morton of "standing around," and admonish him to shut up or get out. Still, Morton enjoyed the luxurious lifestyle of an avid golfer and car collector.
After the sale of Desilu to Gulf + Western in 1967, Morton served as executive producer of Ball's third series Here's Lucy (1968-1974), and was a co-executive producer of her ill-fated 1986 series Life With Lucy. Aside from producing tasks, he warmed up Ball's audiences before her entrance. He also played bit parts in Ball's various series, and acted in occasional films.
In 1996, Morton married Susan McAllister, beginning his third marrage. On March 30, 1999, he died of lung cancer at the age of 74 in Palm Springs, California.
