September 27 …

Greg Morris was an actor best known for portraying electronics expert Barney Collier on the original television series Mission: Impossible and for later recurring television roles, including Lt. David Nelson on Vega$.

Morris was born on September 27, 1933 in Cleveland, OH. His father was a police officer and jazz trumpeter Francis Williams, who played in the bands of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fats Waller. His mother served as the secretary to A. Philip Randolph, the influential labor and civil rights leader. This connection allowed Morris to be exposed to social activism and the Civil Rights Movement from a young age, albeit indirectly. He also grew up immersed in the world of music and performance.

Morris attended Baldwin–Wallace College in Ohio and subsequently ventured into music and theater before making his way into television and film. Growing up in a family that combined civic engagement through his mother and public service through his father likely shaped his strong work ethic and versatility as an actor.

After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Morris took advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend Ohio State University and the University of Iowa, where he was actively involved in college theater and hosted a jazz radio show. He eventually transitioned to regional stage work in Seattle before moving to Hollywood in the early 1960s. This background in theater and radio contributed to Morris’s disciplined, understated stage presence and technical proficiency on screen.

Morris’ career took off in 1966 when he was cast as Barney Collier on Mission: Impossible, a role he held throughout the show’s run from 1966 to 1973. This made him one of the first Black actors to have a consistent presence on a mainstream dramatic series. His character was calm, highly skilled, and transcended racial stereotypes, helping to expand the portrayal of African Americans in professional and technical roles on television.

Over the decades, he also appeared in numerous other series and TV films, including The Twilight Zone, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Vega$, in addition to a brief role in the 1968 Mission: Impossible feature film. His son, Phil Morris, continued the Collier legacy by playing Grant Collier in the 1988–90 revival.

Morris worked alongside prominent actors and creators from the 1960s to 70s television. The ensemble of Mission: Impossible included notable figures such as Peter Graves, Martin Landau, and Barbara Bain, while producer Bruce Geller was instrumental in the show’s casting and conceptualization.

Morris attributed the series’ success to the collaborative spirit of his castmates. His steady presence served as an influence on younger performers, including his children, Phil Morris and Iona Morris, who both pursued acting careers.

Morris was part of a pioneering group of African American television figures of his time, which included Bill Cosby and Ivan Dixon. He drew inspiration from a tradition of Black performers seeking substantive roles. Beyond his acting career, he is remembered for paving the way for African American actors in prominent TV roles during a time when representation was limited.

Throughout his career, Morris received numerous awards and accolades that recognized both his artistic contributions and his standing in the community. He was honored with an NAACP Image Award in 1971, recognized as “Most Promising Newcomer” by the Fashion, Television, and Costume Designers Guild (1968–69), received an honorary degree from Miles College in 1969, and was named Hollywood Women’s Press Club “Star of the Year” in 1971. Additional civic recognition included being named Los Angeles “Father of the Year” in 1969 and “Television Father of the Year” in 1971.

Greg Morris remained respected for his commitment to dignified roles for Black actors and for helping to normalize the presence of competent, technically skilled Black professionals on American television.