The Working Actor EDITOR'S INTRO
This is the forty ninth in a continuing feature at IndustryCentral profiling "The Working Actor". (See Archives below)
William Shakespeare said "There are no small parts--.". William Shatner may have said it too, but the longhair with the tights was first, or so the reports go. In this feature we will explore what it really means to be an actor working in Motion Pictures and Television.
Broad public acknowledgment may have eluded some who find their way to these pages, or perhaps they may have brushed against what is referred to as stardom by virtue of one or more remarkable performances. However for many, the rewards of plying their craft in a field which has allowed them to earn a living may exceed the burdens of public acclaim. Given the chance, some in this clan might prefer the longevity offered by anonymity over the potential for short lived fame.
These individuals, either by design or fate, have managed to sustain a career by crafting performances which rendered them a good casting choice. They are usually thought of as a face you recognize, but you just can't get the name past the tip of your tongue.
Most of these folks have spent countless hours on stage in theaters ranging from 20 seats to 2000, building characters from the works of Ibsen, to Eliot, to Williams, to yes even Shakespeare, and so many of the modern Playwrights. They have rounded their skills doing drama, comedy, & musicals. Their work is a serious venture.
These people have given us screen performances which quite often were the catalyst that brought an Oscar or Emmy to another and yet they continue to work as "Characters" or "Co-Stars" without the trophies and plaques adorning their mantle.
Shelley Morrison
click photo for full size.
click for full image  click for full image  click for full image  click for full image  click for full image
See More Photos > Click here

A fter more than forty years in show business, actress Shelley Morrison, who plays the wisecracking Rosario on the hit NBC series "Will and Grace," has more than her share of stories. This veteran of the big and small screen has also augmented her professional life with ties to her family and community that have made her a compelling person as well as a skilled performer.

Born in the South Bronx, Morrison, a Sephardic Jew of Spanish descent, moved with her family to Los Angeles as a child, and still lives in the apartment building that her father owned and managed six decades ago. The young Morrison worked consistently in film and television in the 1960s, playing the memorable Sister Sixto on the series "The Flying Nun" and appearing alongside the late Gregory Peck in the western "MacKenna's Gold."

After putting her career on the back burner to marry Walter Dominguez (the two celebrate their 30th anniversary this year), Morrison made a comeback after the age of 50, highly unlikely for a future grandmother who likes to knit in her spare time. A series of guest-starring roles on a number of series in the 80s and 90s eventually lead to her landing the role of Rosario, which has earned her Emmy and SAG Awards (for Outstanding Ensemble) and numerous other nominations, including an ALMA Nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Morrison now practices the spiritual tradition of the Lakota Sioux, is a tireless worker for charity (L.A. Shanti, one of the city's oldest charities for AIDS victims; and A.N.G.E.L.S Day, to help senior citizens and their animal companions), and takes pride in portraying an older, Hispanic woman who is tough, smart and can hold her own. Recently, she and a number of other "celebrity knitters" including Elizabeth Taylor and "Will and Grace" co-star Debra Messing, knitted original blankets for a sale to benefit the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. Morrison even received a commendation from the city for her effort to preserve her neighborhood during the 1992 riots that destroyed a shopping mall just behind her home. She has also survived two bouts with cancer, and retains a spirit of peace and optimism that is as infectious as her winning smile.

Representation:
Agency:
Don Gerler
Don Gerler Agency
3349 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Suite 1
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-7386

Publicity
Lori DeWaal & Associates
7080 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 515
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-462-4122
323-463-3792 - Fax

Shelley Morrison's advice to the aspiring actor:

" Remember always that it's about the work itself, not celebrity. Be the best actor you can be; study hard, develop your craft. Network with other actors, writers, and directors to be on the lookout for good material and opportunities. Go to independent film festivals, meet filmmakers. Keep learning and honing your craft. If acting is your real passion, you won't give up. "

Shelley Morrison's Credits (partial)
FILM & TELEVISION
  • "Will & Grace" (1998) TV Series - playing Rosario Salazar McFarland (1999- )
  • Fools Rush In (1997) - playing Aunt Carmen
  • Cries from the Heart (1994) (TV)
  • Columbo: It's All In the Game (1993) (TV) - playing Nick's Maid
  • Love, Lies, and Murder (1991) (TV) - playing Yolanda Brown
  • Troop Beverly Hills (1989) - playing Rosa
  • Kids Don't Tell (1985) (TV) - playing Carol
  • Max Dugan Returns (1983) - playing Mother
  • "General Hospital" (1963) TV Series - playing Mrs. Ramirez (1982)
  • "Once an Eagle" (1976) (mini) TV Series
  • Conspiracy of Terror (1975) (TV) - playing Mrs. Kojovs
  • The Night That Panicked America (1975) (TV) - playing Toni
  • Devil Times Five (1974) - playing Ruth
  • The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped (1974) (TV) - playing Louise
  • Blume in Love (1973) - playing Mrs. Greco
  • Lassie: A New Beginning (1973) (TV) - playing Lena
  • Breezy (1973) - playing Nancy Henderson
  • Stand Up and Be Counted (1972) (uncredited) - playing Bit Part
  • Man and Boy (1972) - playing Rosita
  • Three's a Crowd (1969) (TV) - playing Mona
  • Mackenna's Gold (1969) - playing Pima squaw
  • Three Guns for Texas (1968) - playing Linda Little Trees
  • How to Save a Marriage (And Ruin Your Life) (1968) - playing Marcia Borie
  • "The Flying Nun" (1967) TV Series - playing Sister Sixto (1967-1970)
  • Divorce American Style (1967) - playing Jackie
  • Castle of Evil (1966) - playing Lupe Tekal d'Esperanza

    • TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
  • "2001 ALMA Awards" (2001) (TV) - playing Presenter
  • "Prey" (1998) - playing "Blanca"
  • "Nothing Sacred" (1997/I) in episode: "Parents and Children"
  • "Home Improvement" (1991) - playing "Gail"
  • "Live Shot" (1995) - playing "Rosa Sandoval"
  • "L.A. Law" (1986) - playing "Mrs. Escala"
  • "Sisters" (1991) - playing "Juanita"
  • "Murder, She Wrote" (1984) - playing "Maria"
  • "Sisters" (1991) in episode: "Good Help Is Hard to Find"
  • "The Fanelli Boys" (1990) - playing "Mrs. Goldblume"
  • "1st & Ten" (1984) - playing "Mama Voytok"
  • "Soap" (1977) - playing "The Maid"
  • "The Rookies" (1972)
  • "Marcus Welby, M.D." (1969)
  • "The Partridge Family " (1970)
  • "Gunsmoke"
  • "My Favorite Martian" (1963) - playing "Narita"
  • "Laredo" (1965) - mulyiple episodes
  • "Fugitive, The" (1963) - playing "Ginny"
  • "Dr. Kildare" (1961) - playing "Mrs. Ruiz"

    • THEATER
  • "The Mikado"
  • "Time Out for Ginger"
  • "Romeo & Juliet"
  • "Pal Joey"
  • "Born Yesterday"
  • "Wedding Breakfast"
  • "West Side Story"
  • "Tender Trap"
  • "Illustrious Uncle"
  • "Picnic"
  • "Oh, Men! Oh, Women!"
  • "The World of Sholem Aleichem"
  • "Anastasia"
  • "Come Back Little Sheba"
  • "Cotton Candy"
  • "Juno and the Paycock"
  • "A streetcar Named Desire"
  • "Point of View"
  • "Desk Set"
  • "Confidencial Clerk"
  • "Sweet Bird of Youth"
  • "Pygmalion"
  • "The Odd Couple"
  • "The Crucible"
  • "Bus Stop"
  • "The Parsley Life"
  • "Zoo Story"
  • "The Would-be Gentleman"
  • "Only in America"
  • "Rashomon"
  • "Comedy of Errors"
  • "El Camino Real"
  • "Coney Island of the Mind"
  • "Tiger at the Gates"
  • "Spring's Awakening"
  • "Last of the Aztecs"
  • "The Rose Tatoo"
  • "Hamlet"
  • "Orpheus Decending"
  • "Country Girl"

    • * Nominated for SAG Award: Best Ensamble 4 times. Won once - "Will & Grace"
    * Nominated for ALMA Award: Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress - "Will & Grace"
    * Listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who of Hispanic Women, Who's Who of American Women.

    For more info and credits see IMDb

    -- End ---
    WORKING ACTOR ARCHIVE
    Kathrine Hepburn & Bob Hope [August 2003]
    Kathrine Hepburn & Bob Hope
    August 2003    		 Ernie Hudson [July 2003]
    Ernie Hudson
    July 2003    		 John Getz [June 2003]
    John Getz
    June 2003    		 John Wayne [April 2003]
    John Wayne
    April 2003
    Len Lesser [March 2003]
    Len Lesser
    March 2003    		 Anne Gee Byrd [Febuary 2003]
    Anne Gee Byrd
    Febuary 2003    		 Paul Jenkins [January 2003]
    Paul Jenkins
    January 2003
    Bo Hopkins
    December 2002

    Scott Wilson
    October 2002
    Mario Roccuzzo
    September 2002
    Michael Monks
    August 2002
    Peter Jason
    July 2002

    John Moskoff
    June 2002
    James Reynolds
    May 2002
    Mindy Sterling
    April 2002
    Chelcie Ross
    March 2002

    Barry Jenner
    February 2002
    John Aylward
    January 2002
    Denis Arndt
    December 2001
    Bill Smitrovich
    November 2001

    Alice Hirson
    Octobber 2001
    Warren Stevens
    September 2001
    Stephen Elliott
    August 2001
    Eugene Roche
    July 2001

    Jon Polito
    June 2001
    Peter Riegert
    May 2001
    Bonnie Bartlett
    April 2001
    William Daniels
    March 2001

    Dick Whittinghill
    February 2001
    Chris Ellis
    January 2001
    James Whitmore Jr.
    December 2000
    Vince Grant
    November 2000

    Judith Hoag
    October 2000
    Madison Mason
    September 2000
    Jay Acovone
    August 2000
    Richard Riehle
    July 2000

    Charlie Brill
    June 2000
    Edie McClurg
    May 2000
    Miguel Sandoval
    April 2000
    Tom Bower
    March 2000

    Amy Aquino
    February 2000    		 Danny Chambers [January 2000]
    Danny Chambers
    January 2000
    Eve Gordon
    December 1999    		 Barbara Niven [November 1999]
    Barbara Niven
    November 1999
    Bill Lucking [October 1999]
    Bill Lucking
    October 1999    		 Richard Roundtree [September 1999]
    Richard Roundtree
    September 1999    		 Pat Harrington [August 1999]
    Pat Harrington
    August 1999    		 Robert Donner [July 1999]
    Robert Donner
    July 1999
    Top of page Return to Current Profile


    Email this Page to your friends(s)
    [ PORTAL PAGE | ARCHIVES | ADVERTISE HERE | PROMOTION | MISSION | RIGHTS OF USE | YOUR HOME ]


    Back  Home