Introduction
Claudia Morgan (June 12, 1912 – September 17, 1974) was an American film, television and radio actress. She was best known for playing the role of Vera Claythorne in the first Broadway production of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians and for her portrayal of Nora Charles on the 1940s radio series, The Adventures of the Thin Man.
Early years
Born in Brooklyn, New York as Claudeigh Louise Wuppermann, Morgan was the daughter of actors Ralph Morgan and Grace Arnold and the niece of actor Frank Morgan. She attended Ely Court School in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Stage
A member of the cast of more than 30 Broadway plays, Morgan starred in The Man Who Came to Dinner and Ten Little Indians. She eventually was fired from her role in Indians because her work in The Adventures of the Thin Man on radio caused a delay in the stage production every Friday night.
She also played in The Apple Cart, and The Sun Field.
Film
Her first film role was in 1932, and her last performance was a small role in The World of Henry Orient (1964).
Television
Morgan appeared on Kraft Television Theatre and Robert Montgomery Presents.
Radio
Morgan was known for playing Nora Charles in The Adventures of the Thin Man. She was married to radio announcer and actor Ernest Chappell, and performed with him on the late 1940s radio program, "Quiet Please." In 1941, she joined the cast of The O'Neills, in the role of Laura Penway. She was also a regular on David Harum, Ford Theatre, Joyce Jordan, M.D., Lone Journey, We Love and Learn, and The Right to Happiness.
Personal life
In 1931, Morgan married Talbott Cummings. They had been married only about a year when she sought a divorce. Morgan and aviator/explorer Robert Shippee wed July 22, 1934.
She married Phil Ormsby, an actor and architect, August 2, 1938.
Death
Morgan died in New York City September 17, 1974, aged 63, from undisclosed causes.
Radio appearances
| Year | Program | Episode/source |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Grand Central Station | Everything I Longed For |
| 1953 | Grand Central Station | Count Your Chickens |
| 1953 | Grand Central Station | The Sly Professor |