David Morse Biography

Fast Facts

• Named one of the most Promising New Actors of 1980 by theater reviewer John Willis
• Began studying acting at the William Esper Studio in his early twenties
• Quote: "(Regarding his time spent on 'St․ Elsewhere') "Pain and pride come to mind․ The pain was the experience of playing that character over all those years․․․But the pride? That was being a part of such an extraordinary show․""
• Quote: "(On doing 'Dancer in the Dark') "It was really Lars that convinced me․ I did question my choice, not that what they were doing wasn't good, it was just the character ․․․ was a really hard one to do․․․ because I did not sympathize with him․ He chooses to do something I don't get․ So how do you find your way, believably and truly living that through, if you don't get it․ So it was a hard one․ I tried mightily․ But this one was a hard one to really feel like I'd done my job․""
• Following years of small roles on television series, he gained the most recognition after accepting a recurring role on Fox's "House" in 2007
• His first big break came in 1982 after being cast in "St․ Elsewhere" on NBC
• Escaped a brush with death while filming "Proof of Life" when he had to miss shooting due to a family member's illness and his stand-in was subsequently killed due to an on-set accident
• Following a convincing portrayal of American President George Washington in HBO's mini-series "John Adams," he was asked to lend his voice to the Hall of Presidents exhibit at Walt Disney World as the first President himself
• His middle name, Bowditch, comes from maritime explorer and mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch
• Broke several fingers while filming a fight scene for 2007's "Disturbia," but finished the take before seeking medical attention