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GEORGE MORFOGEN Obituary

MORFOGEN--George S., American stage, television, and film actor, passed peacefully on March 8, 2019 in his home in New York, NY. Born in 1933 in the Bronx, NY, he was the beloved son of Sam and Diamond Morfogen, originally from near Sparta, Greece, and cherished brother of Vivienne Morfogen Brauman and Elaine Morfogen. George Morfogen was a graduate of Brown University and the Yale School of Drama. He was best known for his portrayal of Bob Rebadow in the HBO series Oz. Morfogen appeared in over 12 television series, including "Saint Elsewhere," "Deadly Matrimony," "Blood Feud," and "Sherlock Holmes." He also appeared in numerous films including these classics by Peter Bogdanovich: They All Laughed, What's Up Doc, Daisy Miller, and, most recently, She's Funny That Way (2014). Morfogen was a brilliant stage actor who appeared in productions on and off Broadway, including The Public Theater and Shakespeare in the Park. He performed regionally in Portland, ME; Peterborough, NH, Philadelphia; Washington, DC (Kennedy Center); Baltimore; Tuscon; Phoenix; Los Angeles; Seattle; Manitoba and Toronto, Canada; and for 17 seasons as resident actor at The Williamstown Theatre Festival. Prominent roles include the title role in "Uncle Bob," written by longtime friend Austin Pendleton; Voysey, Sr. in "The Voysey Inheritance," Freud in "Freud's Last Session" and Shotover in "Heartbreak House." He was the recipient of a Fox Foundation Fellowship in 2000. Morfogen performed off Broadway in five productions at Mint Theater Company. His last performance there was as Uncle David in "A Day by the Sea." His final stage appearance was in "Traveling Lady" by Horton Foote, directed by Austin Pendleton at the Cherry Lane Theater in 2017. He was an instructor in acting at HB Studio. Morfogen is survived by his husband and life partner of 51 years, Gene Laughorne and by his nieces Leslie Brauman and Amanda Brauman King. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at 11:30 at Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue, New York, NY. Donations may be made in George Morfogen's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation at parkinson.org.

Published by New York Times on Mar. 11, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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A very long time ago, during the 1970s, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work as an assistant director on Eddie Gilbert´s production of The Cherry Orchard at the Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg, Canada. On the first day of rehearsals, I was struck by the resemblance of the actor playing Lopakhin to my uncle, George Sperdakos, also an actor. I approached George on a break, introduced myself, and said, "Your name - Morfogen - sounds Greek, like mine." "It is Greek," he said, "originally Morfogenis." I told him that I thought he resembled my uncle, and he asked me where in Greece my people came from. "Oh, my grandfathers came from the same tiny village in Sparta," I said, "but you wouldn´t have heard of it - Anavriti." "Mine too," he said, laughing. There and then, we decided that we were probably cousins, and in the way of theatre people working on a show together, we became friends, for a short time. George was a fine actor and a really lovely man. I´m so sorry he´s gone, but happy to have known him, however briefly. My condolences to his husband and the rest of his family.

Paula Sperdakos

January 7, 2024

Rest in Peace George. I only saw your work a short while ago but fell in love with it. You will be missed.

Amaan Nanji

March 7, 2021

Actors all have their own unique voice, not only in the inflection and nuance of their vocabulary, but in the music of their own unique understanding. In cadence and tone George Morfogen spoke that understanding in such a way that you could not fail to recognize the thought and feeling behind it. He could also really sing, though he never ever believed it. But George's performances always sang to me. With his passing I can only retreat to my own notes to remember and love this artist and sweet fellow. Not to mention the man it was my privilege to sometimes shiver arm in arm with on cold New York streets or share a picnic blanket under the stars in a mid-summer night's dream. Thank you George and Gene for your kindness, and for sharing with all of us the love you made together.

Stephanie Wiltse

March 12, 2019

We'll miss George. He was a wonderful, professional actor. RIP, George.

Carole S-K

March 12, 2019

My father, George P. Morfogen had a special relationship with George. They worked together for years at Pappas Restaurant as George pursued his acting career. George was a very special, talented, creative and loving person. He will be very much missed by the Morfogen family.

karen reilly

March 11, 2019

While your gift for bringing a character so vividly to life first caught my attention, it was the person you are that made me truly come to admire and respect you. The gift of your friendship has been one of my greatest joys over these many years; you will always hold a special place in my heart.
My thoughts and prayers and love are with you Gene.

Kathleen Cummings

March 11, 2019

Oh, dear George. We are so sad at your passing. You were a wonderful actor and a remarkable, generous teacher and friend. We will never forget you. May God bless you and hold you. RIP George. And God bless Gene, who took such loving care of you to the very end.

Daniel J. O'Donnell

March 11, 2019

It was my pleasure and privilege to have seen Mr. Morfogen in a number of plays at the Mint over the years. He always left a very strong impression on me, and I'm sad to know that he is gone. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

Nanci A

March 11, 2019

On behalf of all the listeners of the Inside Oz Podcast, thank you for all of your hard work over the years.
You will be sadly missed, and our thoughts go out to your family & sllof those close to you.

Neil Thompson
Host & Creator - Inside Oz

March 11, 2019

Forever Loved!

Brent & Christine Laughorne

March 11, 2019

Your friendship has changed us.
Made us infinitely better.
Thank you for the blessing of your talent, humor and wisdom.
Not a day will go by without missing you.
Edgar McIntosh
Mark Dold-McIntosh

Mark Dold-McIntosh

March 11, 2019

Gene, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wish you all the strength and comfort you will need as you adjust to a world without George's daily presence in it.

I will miss George, who enriched my own life, very much. He was one heck of an actor, and a lovely man.

Thinking of you,

Amy

Amy Stoller

March 11, 2019

Another cousin let me know of George's passing as my father, Zachary Morfogen always had a brotherly relationship with George. When my father died, George was most consoling to me and continued to reach out at, hoping that I would visit in NY. Unfortunately, that did not happen but George was such a special person to our entire family. I hope that he knew that. My prayers are with you, his loved ones and hope that you find comfort knowing that George touched many.

Ann Weaver

March 11, 2019

Uncle George, we shall miss you! Thank you for the many years of love and laughter you shared with Uncle Gene. Uncle Gene, we are sending you all our love and strength. May God wrap you in HIS arms, and give you peace during these difficult days. Brent and I love you so very much!!

Brent & Chrisitne Laughorne

March 11, 2019

George, my friend of twenty-six years -- I shall miss you always. Gene will have a friend in me and I feel blessed having both of you in my life. With Love, Joseph

Joseph Fuqua

March 10, 2019

Gene, words cannot express what a wonderful teacher, friend, and person George was. Nor can they fully capture your loyalty and devotion to him these past few years. Heaven is rejoicing at his arrival.
Much love, Mary Francina

Mary Francina Golden

March 10, 2019

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