08/10/2025
Howard Jerome “Howie” Morris
(September 4, 1919 – May 21, 2005)
Howie Morris was a gifted performer whose boundless energy, playful spirit, and remarkable talent for voices and characters brought laughter and delight to audiences for over half a century.
Though classically trained in Shakespeare, Howie found his true calling in comedy — and what a gift he was to the world of laughter. He first charmed viewers as part of Sid Caesar’s legendary ensemble on Your Show of Shows (1950–1954), where his quick wit and physical humor helped define the golden age of live sketch comedy.
He is perhaps most fondly remembered as the unforgettable Ernest T. Bass on The Andy Griffith Show — the wild, rock-throwing, big-hearted mountain man whose antics never failed to steal the scene. Whether he was climbing through windows, serenading Mayberry, or just trying to “do right,” Ernest T. became a beloved icon — thanks entirely to Howie’s brilliant, full-hearted performance. He also appeared in other roles on the show, including the TV repairman George in “Andy and Helen Have Their Day,” proving his versatility and charm.
Howie’s imagination soared in The Twilight Zone episode “I Dream of Genie,” where he played a shy man granted three wishes — a role that let him flex his comedic timing and heartfelt sincerity.
As his on-screen roles evolved, Howie poured his creativity into voice acting and directing, becoming a guiding force behind dozens of beloved animated projects. He directed voices for classics like Police Academy: The Animated Series, Richie Rich, The Snorks, Tom and Jerry: The Movie, Turbo Teen, and many more — shaping the sounds and stories that delighted children and families for generations.
He also directed live-action films, including Doris Day’s final feature, With Six You Get Eggroll (1968), as well as comedies like Don’t Drink the Water and Who’s Minding the Mint?, always bringing his signature sense of fun and precision to the set.
Behind the scenes and in life, Howie was known for his kindness, generosity, and endless enthusiasm. He was deeply loved by family and friends — including his two former wives, Mary Helen McGowan and Dolores A. Wylie, who cared for him dearly.
Howie Morris passed peacefully on May 21, 2005, at the age of 85. He now rests at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California — but his laughter, his voices, and his joyful spirit live on in every frame of film and every animated adventure he touched.
Thank you, Howie — for making the world a funnier, brighter, and more imaginative place.