Gary Morton was born as Gary Morton Goldaper on December 19, 1924, in New York City. He grew up in a Jewish family with parents Morris Goldaper and Rose Greenfeder Goldaper. He also had a sister named Helen, with whom he shared a close bond in his early years. His New York upbringing influenced his sense of humor and ability to connect with audiences.
From a young age, Gary Morton gravitated toward comedy. His natural timing and sharp wit would later become the foundation of his career. While details of his schooling are not widely known, it is clear that his passion for entertainment emerged early in life.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Gary Morton (born Morton Goldaper) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1924 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 30, 1999 (aged 74) |
| Place of Death | Palm Springs, California, U.S. |
| Parents | Morris Goldaper & Rose Greenfeder Goldaper |
| Siblings | Sister – Helen |
| Height | ~6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Producer |
| Spouses | Susan Morrow (1953–1957), Lucille Ball (1961–1989), Susie McAllister (1996–1999) |
| Stepchildren | Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr. |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $5–25 million (speculative) |
| Cause of Death | Lung Cancer |
First Steps into Comedy
Before Hollywood knew his name, Gary Morton earned his living in the world of stand-up comedy. He became part of the Borscht Belt circuit in upstate New York — a region famous for its summer resorts and comedic talent. Many Jewish comedians, including legends like Mel Brooks and Rodney Dangerfield, got their start in this same environment.
Morton performed at hotel lounges, nightclubs, and vacation resorts, building a reputation as a reliable comic. While he was not considered a headliner on par with the biggest names, his work kept him active and connected in the entertainment industry.
Meeting Lucille Ball
Gary Morton’s life changed forever in 1960, when he met Lucille Ball, already one of the most famous television stars in America. At the time, Ball had ended her marriage with Desi Arnaz and was starring on Broadway in Wildcat. Gary Morton often joked that he had never seen I Love Lucy, since his nightclub work kept him away from television in the evenings.
The two developed a close relationship, and on November 19, 1961, they married in New York City at the Marble Collegiate Church, with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale officiating the ceremony. Their marriage drew attention not only because Ball was 13 years older than Morton, but also because of her enormous fame. Morton signed a prenuptial agreement to avoid speculation that he was marrying her for her fortune.
Married Life and Family Connections
As Lucille Ball’s second husband, Gary Morton became a stepfather to her two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. While not their biological father, he played a role in their lives during their formative years. His relationship with Lucille Ball’s family added another layer to his personal life, blending Hollywood’s spotlight with family responsibilities.
After Ball’s passing in 1989, Morton remarried in 1996 to Susie McAllister, a professional golfer. He remained with her until his death, showing that family and companionship were central themes in his life.
Career in Television and Production
While Gary Morton had established himself as a stand-up comic, his marriage to Ball opened doors in the television industry. He quickly transitioned from performer to producer and executive. He joined Desilu Productions, the studio founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and later helped launch Lucille Ball Productions when Desilu was sold.
Gary Morton’s name is tied to some of Ball’s later projects. He served as executive producer of Here’s Lucy (1968–1974), where Ball starred alongside her children. He was also co-executive producer of Life with Lucy in 1986, though the show was short-lived.
His production work extended beyond sitcoms. In 1983, Morton and Ball signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to produce movies, TV shows, and plays. Though not all projects succeeded, Morton’s involvement demonstrated his business sense and support for Ball’s creativity.
On-Screen Work and Public Persona
Though more comfortable behind the camera, Morton occasionally appeared in films and television. One notable appearance was in the 1974 film Lenny, where he played a Borscht Belt comedian. He also entertained live studio audiences as a warm-up act before tapings of Lucille Ball’s shows, using his comedy roots to keep crowds engaged.
Colleagues described Gary Morton as personable, witty, and business-minded. His ability to shift between comedy and executive responsibilities made him a versatile figure in television production.
Later Years and Estate Matters
After Lucille Ball’s death in 1989, Gary Morton stepped away from the public spotlight. He married Susie McAllister in 1996 and settled in Palm Springs, California, where he enjoyed a quieter life, including golfing and spending time with friends.
Morton passed away on March 30, 1999, at the age of 74, after a battle with lung cancer. His death marked the end of a life closely tied to one of television’s brightest stars.
Following his death, disputes arose over Lucille Ball’s estate. Gary Morton had inherited part of Ball’s possessions, and his widow later auctioned items such as photos, letters, and awards. This led to legal battles with Ball’s children, showing how celebrity estates often become complicated after death.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Gary Morton stood about 6 feet tall and had a commanding presence. His appearance suited both the stage and the executive office, and his sharp wit made him likable among colleagues.
Friends and co-workers often described him as supportive, with a calm personality that balanced Lucille Ball’s larger-than-life presence. His ability to stay grounded while living alongside a superstar reflected his character.
Net Worth and Wealth
Exact figures of Morton’s net worth remain unclear. Some estimates suggest he may have left behind between $5 million and $25 million, though these numbers are speculative. Much of his wealth came through his production credits and his share of Lucille Ball’s estate, which was worth about $40 million at her death.
After his passing, personal memorabilia was sold at auction for around $230,000, but that represents only a small part of his assets. His financial legacy is best understood as a mix of comedy earnings, television production income, and inheritance.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Morton claimed he never watched I Love Lucy before meeting Lucille Ball.
- He entertained live audiences before episodes of Here’s Lucy and Life with Lucy, using his comedy background to set the stage.
- One of his most controversial decisions as a producer was commissioning a “European Street” set at Desilu, which critics claimed was expensive and underused.
- His life and career have often been overshadowed by Ball’s fame, but he played a key role in her later professional successes.
Legacy and Remembrance
Gary Morton’s story is not that of a household name, but rather of a man who blended humor, business, and love into his life. He transitioned from a working comic in New York clubs to a television executive who helped shape some of Lucille Ball’s most enduring shows.
His legacy is remembered through the projects he supported, the family he helped raise, and the love he shared with one of Hollywood’s icons. Though not a celebrity in the same sense as Ball, his behind-the-scenes influence ensures his place in entertainment history.
Conclusion
Gary Morton’s life illustrates the journey of a performer who found his true place behind the camera. From the Borscht Belt stages of New York to the Hollywood sets of Lucille Ball’s productions, his career reflected both talent and adaptability.
His marriages, family connections, and professional achievements reveal a man who valued humor, partnership, and legacy. Today, he is remembered not only as Lucille Ball’s husband but also as a comedian, producer, and quiet force in classic television.
FAQs About Gary Morton
1. Who was Gary Morton?
Gary Morton, born Morton Goldaper, was an American stand-up comedian and television producer. He is best known as the second husband of Lucille Ball and for producing several of her later shows.
2. How old was Gary Morton when he died?
He passed away on March 30, 1999, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 74, after a battle with lung cancer.
3. Did Gary Morton have children?
Gary Morton did not have biological children of his own. However, through his marriage to Lucille Ball, he was stepfather to her two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.
4. What was Gary Morton’s net worth?
Exact figures are unclear, but estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $25 million. A large part of his wealth was connected to Lucille Ball’s estate and his work as a producer.
5. What was Gary Morton’s career before marrying Lucille Ball?
Before stepping into production, Morton was a stand-up comedian who performed in New York clubs and in the Catskills’ Borscht Belt resorts. His comedy roots later helped him warm up live studio audiences for Lucille Ball’s shows.
