Unfortunately, by the 1950's Chester was unable to get work in films. He only appeared in She-Creature (for American-International) and Unchained (for Warner Bros). His success in the Blackie films, and the resulting typecast, became a detriment to future roles. However, his stage career flourished. He starred for two seasons as the ill-fated detective McLeod in Sidney Kingsley's play Detective Story. He then spent a year on Broadway in the smash hit The Fifth Season. He followed with a tour as Captain Queeg in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. Broadway soon saw him again as Major Bartley, the father, in Joshua Logan's production of Blue Denim (opening 2/27/1958 -7/19/58 at the Playhouse Theatre). A stint as Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge, in San Francisco, also proved successful. Chester’s television work was extensive. He appeared on Dr. Kildare, Gentle Ben, Robert Montgomery Presents, Rawhide, Naked City, Ben Casey, Defenders, Route 66, East Side/West Side, Bob Hope Chrysler Theatre, Mr. Broadway, Coronet Blue, and many others.
He made a big-screen comeback in 1970, with a role in the boxing film The Great White Hope, starring James Earl Jones. Chester played Pop Weaver, a fight promoter. Unfortunately, by the time the film was released, Chester had already died from an overdose of barbiturates. He was making another appearance in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial at the Bucks County Playhouse and was due to go on stage that night. He was found on the floor of his room by producer Lee R. Yopp, who was to have had lunch with the actor that day. Chester had been suffering from ill health for several years prior, but his positive attitude lead few to believe that his condition was as serious. It was never determined whether the overdose was accidental or intentional.
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Chester with first wife Suzanne Kilborn |
On the personal front, Chester Morris was married twice. He wed actress Suzanne Kilborn in 1926, having two children with her, John Brooks born in 1928 and Cynthia born in 1930. They were divorced in November of 1939. The following year, on December 1, 1940, he married Lillian Kenton Barker. She was a former Powers model and the original Chesterfield girl. The marriage took place at the home of actor Frank Morgan and many Hollywood celebrities were in attendance. They had one son, Kenton, born by caesarean section in 1947.
Chester was known as a fine amateur magician. His face appeared on the cover of Magic magazines, and he was even selected by the American Society of Magicians to do a motion picture short illustrating feats of legerdemain. Unfortunately this was never released theatrically; it was used strictly for instructional purposes. Chester also put his magic to good use, entertaining soldiers with his magic tricks. He made over 380 USO appearances during WWII.
In his spare time he liked to play golf and tennis. He also enjoyed swimming and boxing to stay in shape. Music, sketching and painting were his artistic outlets, and he loved to read murder mysteries.
Throughout his long career, he was known for his professionalism. He was well liked and respected. In real life he was serious and reserved, quite different than the characters he portrayed.