George Morfogen, most famous for his role as Bob Rebadow in HBO’s series Oz, passed away March 8th at the age of 86. He is also known for his Broadway acting, most recently in A Man For All Seasons, as well as in films, such as What’s Up, Doc? From 1972. He died at home in New York and his death was publicized in an obituary created by his family. Donations will be accepted in his memory at the Parkinson’s Foundation.
During his role in Oz, from 1997-2003, Morfogen played Oswald State Correctional Facility survivor Bob Rebadow. His character was an elderly, serene mentor to those in the facility who were often temperamental. Morfogen also appeared in 12 other television series, such as St, Elsewhere, Deadly Matrimony, Blood Feud and Sherlock Holmes. In his earlier days, he also played on Kojak and The Adams Chronicles miniseries.
Concerning his film career, Morfogen often acted in films directed by Peter Bogdanovich, such as What’s Up, Doc?, Daisy Miller (1974), and They All Laughed (1981). His most recent film was in She’s Funny That Way (2014) with Imogen Poots and Owen Wilson.
Morfogen’s many talents stretched as far as Broadway, where he took on some of the biggest stages, such as Shakespeare in the Park and Off Broadway’s Mint Theater Company, as well as the Kennedy Center, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and New York’s Public Theater. His Broadway foray included such plays as Kingdoms (1981), Arms and the Man (1985), Fortune’s Fool (2002), and A Man for All Seasons (2008). His last performance of all time was in Traveling Lady by Horton Foote in 2017. It was directed by Austin Pendleton, an old friend of Morfogen’s, and was performed at Off Broadway’s Cherry Lane Theatre.
In his personal life, he lived in New York and taught acting lessons at HB Studio. He is survived by Gene Laughorne, his husband and life partner of 51 years.