There’s a certain type of actor who feels instantly familiar even when you can’t recall their name. David Morse is one of them. For over four decades, he has filled the screen with a quiet intensity, moving from the halls of St. Elsewhere to the harrowing corridors of The Green Mile. This profile traces his journey from Massachusetts stage actor to one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors.

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Birth Date: October 11, 1953 ·
Nationality: American ·
Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m) ·
Known For: Dr. Jack “Boomer” Morrison on St. Elsewhere

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Born October 11, 1953 in Beverly, Massachusetts (IMDb)
  • Starred as Dr. Jack “Boomer” Morrison on St. Elsewhere (1982–1988) (IMDb)
  • Married to Susan Wheeler Duff since June 19, 1982; three children (IMDb)
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 1953: Born in Massachusetts.
  • 1982–1988: St. Elsewhere.
  • 1999: The Green Mile.
  • 2023: The Gettysburg Address.
4What’s next
  • Upcoming: We Were Liars (2025), Looking Through Water (2025), Broken Land (2025). (IMDb)
  • Cabrini (2024) released as Archbishop Corrigan. (IMDb)

Eight key facts about David Morse, drawn from verified film databases and biographical references, show a consistent pattern of steady work across stage and screen.

Label Value
Full Name David Bowditch Morse
Birth Date October 11, 1953
Birth Place Hamilton, Massachusetts, USA
Height 6’4″ (1.93 m)
Spouse Susan Wheeler Duff (m. 1982)
Children 3
Occupation Actor, producer, director, writer
Years Active 1980–present

What is David Morse most famous for?

The role of Dr. Jack Morrison on St. Elsewhere

David Morse first earned widespread recognition as Dr. Jack “Boomer” Morrison on the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere, which ran from 1982 to 1988. The series was a critical hit and launched the careers of several actors. Morse’s portrayal of the earnest, sometimes tormented intern became the anchor of his early fame. (EBSCO Research Starters)

His performance in The Green Mile

In 1999, Morse took on the role of prison guard Paul Edgecomb opposite Tom Hanks in Frank Darabont’s The Green Mile. The film earned four Academy Award nominations and remains one of the most-watched dramas of its era. Morse’s grounded, empathetic performance anchored the supernatural storyline. (IMDb)

Other notable film roles

Morse built a career on supporting roles in major films, including The Rock (1996), 12 Monkeys (1995), Contact (1997), The Long Kiss Goodnight, and The Hurt Locker (2008). He also played Detective Michael Tritter on House, M.D., George Washington in the miniseries John Adams, and a memorable turn in True Detective. (Sidewalks Entertainment)

The upshot

Morse’s fame rests on a handful of iconic roles, but his real strength is the breadth of his filmography — he has worked with directors from Michael Bay to Kathryn Bigelow, always as a chameleon rather than a star.

What this means: David Morse built his reputation not on leading-man status but on consistent, grounded work across multiple genres and directors.

What is David Morse doing now?

Recent film and television projects

David Morse remains active in the industry. In 2024 he appeared as Archbishop Corrigan in Cabrini, and he is slated to appear in the upcoming series We Were Liars (2025) and the film Looking Through Water (2025), where he voices Abraham Lincoln. (IMDb) Other recent credits include Escape at Dannemora (2018) and The Gettysburg Address (2023).

Current activities and appearances

Morse continues to draw on his stage roots. He earned a Tony nomination for The Iceman Cometh and has performed in productions like How I Learned to Drive. In a 2022 interview with Filmmaker Magazine, he was described as a veteran actor who brings a quiet intensity to every role. (Filmmaker Magazine)

The implication: Morse’s career is in a productive late phase, balancing screen work with stage commitments and maintaining the same low-key approach that defined his earlier decades.

What nationality is David Morse?

American citizenship and birthplace

David Morse is an American actor. He was born in Hamilton, Massachusetts, on October 11, 1953 (some sources list Beverly, Massachusetts — a close geographic variant). (TV Guide) His nationality is consistently reported as American across all major databases.

Cultural background

Morse grew up in New England and attended the William Esper Studio for acting. He has often credited his theater training with shaping his approach to character work.

What this means: Morse’s New England roots and classical stage training provide the foundation for the grounded, unshowy performances that define his career.

What is David Morse’s net worth?

Public disclosure of net worth

David Morse’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. No official figures are available from reliable sources. This is common for character actors who avoid the celebrity spotlight. (EBSCO Research Starters)

Income sources

His income is derived from acting roles in film, television, and stage. With over 100 credits across four decades, his earnings come primarily from steady work rather than blockbuster franchises.

The catch: Without public disclosure, any net worth figure circulating online is speculative — Morse’s financial privacy is consistent with his overall low media profile.

Where does David Morse live?

Residence privacy

David Morse is known to be private about his residence. He was born in Massachusetts, but his current home is not publicly documented. This aligns with his overall low media profile.

Known locations

No verified recent address or city of residence exists in public records. He has lived in New York at various points for stage work.

What this means: David Morse’s reluctance to share personal location details is part of a deliberate separation between his public work and private life.

Confirmed facts

  • David Morse is an American actor born in 1953.
  • He is known for St. Elsewhere and The Green Mile.
  • He is married to Susan Wheeler Duff and has three children.

What’s unclear

  • Exact current residence is not publicly confirmed.
  • Net worth figures are not officially documented.

“David Morse gained widespread fame from St. Elsewhere and later appeared in The Green Mile, The Hurt Locker, and Disturbia.”

– EBSCO Research Starters

“Morse is a veteran actor who brings a quiet intensity to every role.”

– Filmmaker Magazine profile

For audiences who value craft over celebrity, the choice is clear: David Morse’s career proves that lasting impact in Hollywood rarely requires a leading man’s name above the title. His legacy is built on one quietly riveting performance after another.

Additional sources

screendollars.com, imdb.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, amazon.com, en.wikipedia.org

For a broader look at his filmography and personal milestones, see this David Morses career overview covering his height, net worth, and movies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is David Morse’s most famous role?

His most famous role is Dr. Jack “Boomer” Morrison on St. Elsewhere, though his part in The Green Mile is nearly as iconic.

Is David Morse still acting?

Yes, he continues to act in film and television, with credits in 2024 and upcoming projects in 2025.

How tall is David Morse?

He is 6’4″ (1.93 m) according to IMDb.

Who is David Morse married to?

He has been married to actress Susan Wheeler Duff since 1982.

What movies has David Morse been in?

He has appeared in The Green Mile, The Rock, 12 Monkeys, The Hurt Locker, Contact, Disturbia, and many others.

Did David Morse win an Emmy?

He has not won an Emmy. He received a Tony nomination for The Iceman Cometh.

What is David Morse’s real name?

His full birth name is David Bowditch Morse.

Where was David Morse born?

He was born in Hamilton, Massachusetts, on October 11, 1953.