Morrissey under the influence: actors and actresses

Actors and actresses

Andrew, Dana

In an interview published in Hot Press magazine in June 2008 Morrissey said "I like the film history of Los Angeles, and I'm constantly searching for the smogginess and dim-light of those old films... Susan Hayward in Smash-Up, or Susan Hayward in I Want To Live... or anything starring Richard Conte, John Garfield, Dana Andrews, Kirk Douglas... or Barbara Stanwick dumping the body on the railroad tracks... Build My Gallows High, The Killers, Kiss Me Deadly... things like that."

Angeli, Pier

This actress was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".

Angers, Avril

A still from the movie "The Family Way" was used for the artwork of the Smiths single "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish".

Arthur, Beatrice

She was given praise in Morrissey's 'book' "Exit Smiling".
She was mentioned alongside nine other 'symbolists' in a list titled "Portrait Of The Artist As A Consumer", Morrissey's top ten films, symbolists, records and books published in the 17 September 1983 issue of the NME.

Ashkenazi, Lior

In a Q&A session published on the True-To-You website in December 2005, Morrissey was asked about his favourite films: "My favourite in the last few years has been Late Marriage starring Lior Ashkenazi. It's one of those rare films wherein the entire cast is excellent, and the film is powerful without one single special effect or any sound trickery. Lior Ashkenazi more recently starred in Walk On Water, which is also worth seeing."
According to biographer Simon Goddard Morrissey also named Ashkenazi his favourite actor circa 2007.
While planning a concert in Israel in 2008 Morrissey asked to meet the actor.

Attenborough, Richard

In a statement to the True To You website, Morrissey had good words to say about this actor shortly after he died in 2014.

Bacall, Lauren

In a statement to the True To You website, Morrissey had good words to say about this actress shortly after she died in 2014.

Baker, Stanley

Morrissey supposedly wore one of his suits on his appearance on Jools Holland's television show in late 1995, although this may have been a joke on Holland's part.
There is no concrete evidence that Morrissey was a fan of this actor, but he does fit the pattern of actors Morrissey admires, and he has worked with many other actors and actresses that Morrissey has praised over the years. The closest possible connection is that Baker played a character named Bunny who is a boxer in the 1954 film "The Good Die Young" while Morrissey has a character named Bunny in "Now My Heart Is Full", a song written at a time when he was interested by boxing.

Bana, Eric

In a 2012 email interview to news.com.au, Morrissey answered "Eric Bana" to the question "As an animal lover, do you have a favourite Australian animal?"

Barrett, Sean

A still of Barrett from the 1958 film "Dunkirk" was used as the artwork for the Smiths' "How Soon Is Now" single.

Bastedo, Alexandra

This actress and animal rights defender was featured on the cover of the Smiths' live album "Rank". The image used was taken from the book "Birds Of Britain".
It might be a coincidence, but the 1975 movie "The Ghoul" in which she played was released by Rank Film Distributors.

Bates, Alan

A still of him dancing with another man, from John Osbourne's play "Look Back In Anger", was to be used for the artwork of the "William It Was Really Nothing" single, but Bates declined.
He starred in "A Kind Of Loving", one of Morrissey's favourite films.

Baxter, David

A photo of Baxter is seen in the video for the Morrissey song "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get". The photo was taken from Terence Stamp's autobiography titled "Coming Attraction".

Bell, Tom

Tom Bell was known for playing characters with a sinister side to their nature. One of his roles included a character in the Morrissey-loved movie 'The Krays'. On 22 December 2006 at the G-Mex in Manchester, so shortly after his death, Morrissey dedicated "Ganglord" to him.

Bindon, John

Morrissey's "Maladjusted" album liner notes include the line "John Bindon 1943-1993". Amongst other films the actor played in the Morrissey-loved "Poor Cow".

Bloom, Claire

A still featuring Richard Burton and Claire Bloom from "Look Back In Anger" was almost used for the artwork of the "Best...I" and "Best...II" compilations from 1992.

Bogarde, Dirk

Played in "The Servant", "Victim", "The Blue Lamp" and "Death In Venice", all among Morrissey's favourite films.
In an interview printed in the May 1994 issue of Select magazine Morrissey said: "I now feel I could live and be Dirk Bogarde. (...) He sent me a card the other day (...) and I almost cried with joy when it arrived. I thought, Put it this way, Mozzer, you have a card from Dirk Bogarde here. You have Alan Bennett sitting in your kitchen having tea. You have David Bowie having sung one of your songs quite beautifully. What else are you looking for? What right do I have to be sour-faced and complaining, queuing up at Waitrose in Holloway being annoyed because somebody in front of me has got a leg of lamb? What more could there be?"
According to biographer Len Brown, Morrissey asked for the permission to use excerpts of Patric Doonan, Dirk Bogarde and Peggy Evans in the movie "The Blue Lamp" for the video for his "Hold On To Your Friends" single, but was denied permission by Bogarde. This is also mentioned in Morrissey's "Autobiography", with the precision that "it is Doonan, not Bogarde, who flags down my interest".
In an interview printed in the January 1995 of Q magazine Morrissey answered that the person he would most like to meet was Dick Bogarde.
In his "Autobiography", Morrissey mentions repeatedly watching Dirk Bogarde in "Two Weeks In Another Town", and praises the actor at length.

Bradford, Richard

A still of Richard Bradford from a 1967 episode of ATV series "Man In A Suitcase" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' "Panic" single.

Brasseur, Claude

In an interview broadcast in August 2006 on France's Canal Plus television channel Morrissey mentions how watching Claude Brasseur's films helped him get over dark periods. He mentioned Jean-Luc Godard's movie "Bande à part" as one featuring Brasseur.
Brasseur is mentioned in Morrissey's song "At Last I Am Born".
He appears in the Brigitte Bardot video for "Bubble Gum" which was shown between opening act and Morrissey on live dates from the tail end of the Tour Of The Tormentors MMVI and the Greatest Hits tour of 2007.

Bresslaw, Bernard

The song "Mad Passionate Love" from this "Carry On..." movies star supposedly inspired Morrissey's "Pashernate Love".

Bryan, Dora

In a statement to the True To You website, Morrissey had good words to say about this actress shortly after she died in 2014.

Burke, Kathy

She is seen chasing Morrissey through the house in the video for the song "Ouija Board, Ouija Board".

Burton, Richard

A still featuring Richard Burton and Claire Bloom from "Look Back In Anger" was almost used for the artwork of the "Best...I" and "Best...II" compilations from 1992.
He also played in "A Kind Of Loving", another of Morrissey's favourite films.
In an interview printed in the January 1995 of Q magazine, when asked about who he would like to see play him in a film, Morrissey replied: "Richard Burton (as he is now)".
An image of Burton from the film "Look Back In Anger" was used as a backdrop on Morrissey's 2007-2008 Greatest Hits tour.

Cagney, Jimmy

In an interview printed in Mojo magazine in 2006 Morrissey said that the 1955 musical "Love Me Or Leave Me" was "His best ever performance!".

Campbell, Colin

A still of this actor from the film "The Leather Boys" was used for the artwork of the German edition of the Smiths' single "Ask". The image was used again for the cd reissue of the Smiths single "William It Was Really Nothing".
Footage of Campbell and Rita Tushingham from the latter movie can be seen in the video for the Smiths song "Girlfriend In A Coma".

Cartlidge, Katrin

Following her death in 2002 Morrissey dedicated "Late Night, Maudlin Street" to her on two consecutive shows in London (17 September and 18 September). On the latter date he actually said: "Last night I dedicated this next song to the actor Katrin Cartlidge who died on September the 7th aged 41. She made some great films: 'Breaking The Waves', 'Career Girls', 'Naked' and... wherever she is, I hope she's happy..."
In an interview to Irish radio 2FM in 2002, Morrissey said "I think there's no doubt that she would have [had a great future]... and I was absolutely shocked by her death... she was 41. I thought she had a great screen presence and one of the very few modern British actors who I thought really had 'it' and it's just terribly sad, terribly sad... but life... life is very weird..."

Chiari, Walter

From halfway into the European leg of the Tour Of Refusal through the Swords Tour Morrissey used an image of this actor pointing at the camera as a stage backdrop.

Clarke, Margi

She was asked by Morrissey to interview him for an October 1985 feature on British television programme The Tube.

Clitheroe, Jimmy

In an interview published in the NME in 1989, Morrissey mentioned being a great fan of the radio show "The Clitheroe Kid".
Journalist Len Brown in his biography "Meetings With Morrissey" mentions discussing Jimmy Clitheroe in private correspondance with Morrissey.
In an interview for the 2003 documentary "The Importance Of Being Morrissey", Alan Bennett recalls meeting Morrissey and extensively discussing Jimmy Clitheroe.

Cochran, Steve

A photo of Steve Cochran, a 1950s actor after whom Morrissey was named, was the bass drum cover image on the live dates from 2013. View here.
There is a photo of Morrissey in which he poses sitting next to Cochran's Hollywood star.
Morrissey mentions in his autobiography how "malevolently magnificent" Cochran was in the movies "Tomorrow Is Another Day", "Slander" and "I, Mobster".

Conte, Richard

In an interview published in Hot Press magazine in June 2008 Morrissey said "I like the film history of Los Angeles, and I'm constantly searching for the smogginess and dim-light of those old films... Susan Hayward in Smash-Up, or Susan Hayward in I Want To Live... or anything starring Richard Conte, John Garfield, Dana Andrews, Kirk Douglas... or Barbara Stanwick dumping the body on the railroad tracks... Build My Gallows High, The Killers, Kiss Me Deadly... things like that."

Cranham, Kenneth

He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Crudup, Billy

In a Q&A published in Uncut magazine in 2006, Morrissey answered the question "Kevin Bacon or Matt Dillon?" with "Billy Crudup".
Discussing a possible biopic of the Smiths or Morrissey in the April 2006 issue of Spin magazine, to the question "Who would you like to play you?" Morrissey suggested Billy Crudup.

Dallesandro, Joe

A still of this actor from Andy Warhol's "Flesh" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' self titled debut album.

Darling, Candy

A still from the 1971 film Women In Revolt was used for the artwork of the Smiths' single "Sheila Take A Bow".
She is also mentioned in Morrissey's book titled The New York Dolls.
She was included by Morrissey in a list titled "Handsome Devils" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.
The line "...did you know I couldn't last I always knew it..." from her final letter before dying might have inspired the title line of Morrissey's song "You Know I Couldn't Last".

Davalos, Richard

In a letter to penpal Robert Mackie in 1981, Morrissey wrote "'East Of Eden' is a wonderful film. My ambition is to track down Richard Davalos (who played Aron, the angelic brother) and interview him".
He was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".
A photo of Davalos taken during the filming of "East Of Eden" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' "Strangeways Here We Come" album.
A latter photo can be seen over Morrissey's bath in the video for his debut single "Suedehead".
A still from "East Of Eden" showing Richard Davalos and James Dean's hand was used on the cover of Sire's "Best...I" and "Best...II" compilation albums.
An "East Of Eden" wardrobe test of James Dean and Richard Davalos was shown between opening act and Morrissey on live dates from the tail end of the Tour Of The Tormentors MMVI and on the 2007-2008 Greatest Hits tour.

Davis, Bette

Morrissey, in an interview to Q magazine in December 1989: "(...) absolute, total legend, possible the very last one. (...) I'm generally attracted to people who are mildly despised and Bette Davis was. (...)Bette Davis was a very formidable spirit who risked going against audience sympathy to get what she wanted, risked narrowing her audience to convey how she really felt. Which is quite largely how I feel about my career."
Her duet of "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane" with Debbie Burton was played during intermission on the 2002 tour.
She played in at least two movies that Morrissey adores, "Mr. Skeffington" and "The Man Who Came To Dinner". She also played in "Old Acquaintance" which may also have been one of Morrissey's favourites.

Dean, James

Morrissey had a poem about James Dean printed in a 1979 issue of Scottish fanzine Next Big Thing.
Before being in the Smiths Morrissey wrote a book titled "James Dean Is Not Dead" about the legendary actor.
On his first visit to Morrissey, Johnny Marr recalls seeing James Dean posters on his bedroom walls.
Morrissey in an interview (source needed): "I was fascinated by the fact that he always looked so good, regardless of what kind of clothes he stumbled into. He could wear an old rag and he was still quite stunning, and equally he could clamber into a tuxedo and it would also be incredibly fetching. So for me he is the only person who looked perfect persistently."
In an interview published in the 4 May 1984 issue of Irish magazine Hot Press Morrissey said: "It's not his acting, actually. I think he was a bit of a ham. I get quite embarrassed when I see those films. But I'm fascinated by the was he seemed to represent his time and his generation."
In an interview published in Smash Hits magazine June 1984 Morrissey said: "I saw 'Rebel Without A Cause' quite by accident when I was about six. I was entirely enveloped. I did some research about him and it was like unearthing Tutankhamun's tomb. His entire life seemed so magnificently perfect. What he did on film didn't stir me that much but as a person he was immensely valuable. Everything from his birth in a farming town to coming to New York, breaking into film and finding he didn't really want it when he had enormous success. At school it was an absolute drawback because nobody really cared about him. If they did, it was only in a synthetic rock and roll way. Nobody had a passion for him as I did - for that constant uneasiness with life. Even though he was making enormous strides with his craft, he was still incredibly miserable and obviously doomed. Which is exactly the quality Oscar Wilde had. That kind of mystical knowledge that there is something incredibly black around the corner. People who feel this are quite special and always end up in quite a mangled mess."
In an interview published in Melody Maker on 3 November 1984 Morrissey said: "I never thought much about his acting abilities but the aura around him always fascinated me. When I mention James Dean to people they seem disappointed because it seems such a standard thing for a young person to be interested in - but I can't help it. "
Director Howard Sachler once described Dean using the words "A tough kid who sometimes sleeps on nails", words slightly transformed by Morrissey in "I Want The One I Can't Have".
A 1948 photo of Dean taken by Nelva Jean Thomas was used on the cover of the Smiths' "Bigmouth Strikes Again" single.
"My only weakness is well... never mind", a line from the song "Shoplifters Of The World Unite" was said by James Dean in "Danger!", a made for TV movie shot a few months before the filming of "East Of Eden".
The video for Morrissey's debut single "Suedehead" is an homage to James Dean. It was shot in Dean's hometown of Fairmount, Indiana. Morrissey is seen visiting Dean's grave, or holding a copy of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince", one of Dean's favourite book. Many scenes from the video imitate famous photos of James Dean taken by Dennis Stock.
Dean utters the question "Can you look at the truth?" in "East Of Eden", a tenuous connection to Morrissey's "Sing Your Life".
A still from "East Of Eden" showing Richard Davalos and James Dean's hand was used on the cover of Sire's "Best...I" and "Best...II" compilation albums.
Morrissey had a series of photos of himself taken at the Griffith Observatory in Hollywood where several scenes of the movie "Rebel Without A Cause" were filmed. One of these photos was used on t-shirts and posters sold during the February 1995 Boxers tour.
An image of James Dean was used by Morrissey as a backdrop on the first two American leg of the 2007 Greatest Hits tour (view original or in situ).
An "East Of Eden" screen test of James Dean and Richard Davalos was shown between opening act and Morrissey on live dates from the tail end of the Tour Of The Tormentors MMVI and on the 2007-2008 Greatest Hits tour.
In 2008 Morrissey purchased (for $40000) a watch that had previously been owned by James Dean. The watch was reported as one of the famous actor's favorites, and one he wore during the filming of "East of Eden", and much of his early stage work.
Morrissey mentions his teenage fascination with Dean in his "Autobiography". He also discusses at length the shooting of the "Suedehead" video in Dean's hometown.

Delon, Alain

A still of Delon from the film "L'insoumis" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' "The Queen Is Dead" album. Different images were used for the front artwork and inside (LP inner sleeve or inside cd booklet).

Doonan, Patric

This British stage and screen actor committed suicide in 1958 at age 31, in Margaretta Terrace in Chelsea. In the video for Morrissey's "Suedehead" there are a series of flash cuts of street signs: 'Margaretta Terrace' and 'Chelsea'.
His name is mentioned in Morrissey's song "Now My Heart Is Full".
According to biographer Len Brown, Morrissey asked for the permission to use excerpts of Patric Doonan, Dirk Bogarde and Peggy Evans in the movie "The Blue Lamp" for the video for his "Hold On To Your Friends" single, but was denied permission by Bogarde. This is also mentioned in Morrissey's "Autobiography", with the precision that "it is Doonan, not Bogarde, who flags down my interest".
He played in Morrissey favourites "Cockleshell Heroes" and "The Blue Lamp" amongst others.
He played in a film titled "All Over The Town" which may have inspired the opening line in Morrissey's "Sister I'm A Poet".

Dors, Diana

This actress was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".
She was included by Morrissey in a list titled "Handsome Devils" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.
An image of Diana Dors from the film "Yield To The Night" was at some point considered for a Smiths greatest hits album planned by Rough Trade. The image was finally used in 1995 for the WEA compilation album "Singles".
Incidentally she is seen in the latter movie reading the A.E. Housman poem "A Shropshire Lad". Morrissey is known to be a fan of the latter author, or at least of the latter poem. His guitarist Boz would at some point read the poem over the ending of live performances of the song "National Front Disco".
An image of Diana Dors from the film "Yield To The Night" was used on and off as a backdrop on Morrissey's 1992 Your Arsenal tour.
Journalist Len Brown in his biography "Meetings With Morrissey" mentions discussing Diana Dors in the movie "Queenie's Castle" in private correspondance with Morrissey.
Now and then on the Tour Of The Tormentors MMVI Morrissey changed a line in his song "You Have Killed Me" to "Diana Dors you will never be", "Diana Dors you would like to be" or "Diana Dors you will always be".
A clip of her was shown during intermission on the summer festivals leg of the Greatest Hits tour.
This could be only coincidental but in the late forties she had a contract with the Rank Organisation.
Besides "Yield To The Night", England's answer to Jane Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe has also played in (at least) two other films featured among Morrissey's favourites: "Dance Hall" and "Oliver Twist".
For more Diana Dors, have a look at the Under The Influence: music section.

Douglas, Kirk

In an interview of Joni Mitchell conducted by Morrissey and printed in a 1997 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, Morrissey said: "Kirk Douglas was my favorite actor until I read in his autobiography of his candid passion for killing animals."
An an intro to the video for his "Sunny" single on the enhanced album "My Early Burglary Years" Morrissey writes (amongst other things): "I can't stop thinking about Kirk Douglas. Do you know him? / It's another year. Will we meet? Please say yes."
A still of Douglas from the 1949 movie "Champion" was used as a stage backdrop (for the song "Boxers" and perhaps more) on the 2000 half of Morrissey's Oye Esteban tour.
In an interview published in Hot Press magazine in June 2008 Morrissey said "I like the film history of Los Angeles, and I'm constantly searching for the smogginess and dim-light of those old films... Susan Hayward in Smash-Up, or Susan Hayward in I Want To Live... or anything starring Richard Conte, John Garfield, Dana Andrews, Kirk Douglas... or Barbara Stanwick dumping the body on the railroad tracks... Build My Gallows High, The Killers, Kiss Me Deadly... things like that."
In a 2012 email interview with Billboard magazine, Morrissey answered the question "Which living artist, if any, would you rush the stage to embrace?" with the words "Kirk Douglas. And if you think I'm joking, I'm not."
In a missive to the True To You website in February 2013, Morrissey mentions seeing Kirk Douglas but he was "too incurably demented to tap his shoulder and pledge eternal thanks and servitude, I stood and I watched as my hero walked away." The missive included the praise "I am not alone in knowing how constantly robbed Kirk Douglas was of that voodoo doll known as the 'Oscar'. Yes, he was given obligatory recognition once the best years of his career had wound down, but his magnetic force and colossal onscreen assurance in 'Two Weeks In Another Town', 'Lonely Are The Brave' and 'The Bad And The Beautiful' still stand as the best screen acting yet produced, in years when the Oscars, as usual, were awarded instead to the blandly servile. If you haven't yet seen the above three films then your life is nothing. In his prime, Kirk Douglas was far too sexually disagreeable, and represented the soul of the world far too accurately. It was a self-realization that cannot be manufactured - or even found for a second time, because its poetry is built on a very particular time and space - one that doesn't return. In fact, Kirk Douglas sometimes didn't act at all - he simply observed and played with those around him (the hardest trick of all.) If male desire is tension, then Kirk Douglas had this more than any other screen star - yes, King Kong included."
In a Q&A with The Hollywood Reporter in 2013, he said "Kirk, I think, is the last of the famous. I felt fathomless depths of awe in his presence. Such people mean more than presidents. No president is as famous or loved as James Dean, Elvis Presley or even Marilyn Monroe. What does this tell us about presidents? My Wish to Meet list has been completed. Most actors of quality are dead. Kirk Douglas has actually outlived death."

Duncan, Robert

A still image of Duncan from the 1965 film "The Uncle" was used for the artwork of the 12" single for "The Headmaster Ritual" released only in Holland.

Fields, Gracie

In an interview printed in the 26 September 1987 issue of Melody Maker Morrissey said "The whole Gracie Fields, George Formby, Frank Randall mentality is one I completely worship. I adore those old Northern troupers and I'd love to be remembered as following in their tradition, but it seems doubtful I'll be remembered at all."
For more Gracie Fields, have a look at the music section of this chapter.

Finney, Albert

A still of Albert Finney from the film "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning" was almost used for the artwork of the "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" single but Finney refused. When he changed his mind, the still was to be used for a Rough Trade re-release of the "This Charming Man" single on compact disc, but this never happened.
In an interview published in The Face in 1984, Morrissey said "I was even more shocked when Albert Finney refused to be the star of the next single sleeve because he's always been immensely dear to me and he refused, wouldn't have anything to do with it."
In an interview published in the 28 June 1986 issue of No.1 magazine Morrissey said: "Finney was the Northern boy made good which is why I can relate to him even more. (...) I find that mood of a Northern person going to London and then returning home very poignant. (...) The beauty of Finney was his natural quality as an actor. Even when I'm asleep I can't look natural."
The Salford Lads Club seen in the background of one of the most famous photo of the Smiths (appearing inside the "The Queen Is Dead" album), may have partly been chosen by Morrissey because Albert Finney had been a member as a child.
The Albert Finney bookshop (owned by Albert Finney's father, who shares the same name) was used as a backdrop for a series of photographs of the band taken in early 1987. The bookshop is also seen at the end of the videos for the Smiths singles "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" and "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" from later the same year.
Finney also played in "Charlie Bubbles", another of Morrissey's favourite films. He also attended the Salford Lads Club as a child.
Morrissey, in an interview (source needed), discussing the film "Saturday Night Sunday Morning": "I can't describe the poetry that film has for me, especially that of Albert Finney in the Arthur Seaton role."

Franciosa, Anthony

A still of Anthony Franciosa from the 1962 movie "Senilità" was used as a backdrop and on promotional ads for the 2011 Summer Tour.

Fraser, John

A still of John Fraser from the film "The Trials Of Oscar Wilde" was at some point considered for the artwork of a "This Charming Man" re-release on compact disc by Rough Trade.

Garfield, John

In a Q&A published on the True-To-You website in June 2007 Morrissey said of the artwork for the album "Ringleader Of The Tormentors": "There is an American film from 1946 called 'Humoresque' in which Oscar Levant holds up a copy of a magazine with John Garfield on the front playing the violin, as he does throughout the film. I thought the Garfield picture was so touching, so I tried to copy it."
In an interview published in Hot Press magazine in June 2008 Morrissey said "I like the film history of Los Angeles, and I'm constantly searching for the smogginess and dim-light of those old films... Susan Hayward in Smash-Up, or Susan Hayward in I Want To Live... or anything starring Richard Conte, John Garfield, Dana Andrews, Kirk Douglas... or Barbara Stanwick dumping the body on the railroad tracks... Build My Gallows High, The Killers, Kiss Me Deadly... things like that."
Garfield is also briefly mentioned in Morrissey's book "James Dean Is Not Dead" and the sleeve notes of his "Under The Influence" compilation.

Gordon, Ruth

This actress (and write) was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".

Guinness, Alec

Guinness' performance in the film "The Ladykillers" was mentioned as one of his favourite by Morrissey in 1985's Meat Is Murder tour programme.
He also played in "Oliver Twist", another of Morrissey's favourite films.

Hawtrey, Charles

Hawtrey played in many "Carry On..." films which Morrissey loves. In an interview published in the NME in July 1986, as he was discussing Carry On films, Morrissey said "When you think of Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor, Joan Sims, Sid James... the wealth of talent!"
At some point into "Carry On Cleo" Hawtrey mutters the words "stop me if you've heard this before". Because Hawtrey is known as one of Morrissey favourite actors, it has been speculated that this inspired him when he wrote the song "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before".
Scenes of Charles Hawtrey from the movie "Carry On Abroad" are seen in Morrissey's video for the song "Everyday Is Like Sunday".
When Hawtrey died in October 1988 Morrissey penned his obituary for the NME. Excerpt: "The very last comic genius. Charle Hawtrey's death ties in with the advance chill of 1992, the slaughter of the British passport, and the last death wheeze of the real England... [He was] 60 per cent of Carry On appeal. By never giving press interviews, and by all accounts being unfriedly and friendless, Hawtrey's mystique surpasses Garbo. I personally loved him."
A photo of Hawtrey was used on backstage passes for a one-off Morrissey concert in 1998 in Wolverhampton.
He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.
The video to the "Interesting Drug" single is set in fictitious Hawtrey High.
In "Peepholism - Into The Art Of Morrissey" author Jo Slee wrote: "Several stills of Charles Hawtrey from the Carry On films were mulled over at various times. Morrissey's affection for both Charles Hawtrey and fellow Carry on star Kenneth Williams was very particular and very personal." An image of both of them dressed as women, from Carry On Constable, was at some point considered for use on a sleeve. She also tells us that the photo of clouds found on the back of the "Viva Hate" album is a cut-down picture of Hawtrey's grave, though the grave itself is cut off.
He finally made it on the cover of a Smiths release, the "The Very Best Of The Smiths" from 2001, but then Morrissey had nothing to do with this compilation and its artwork.

Hay, Will

He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Hayward, Susan

In an interview published in Hot Press magazine in June 2008 Morrissey said "I like the film history of Los Angeles, and I'm constantly searching for the smogginess and dim-light of those old films... Susan Hayward in Smash-Up, or Susan Hayward in I Want To Live... or anything starring Richard Conte, John Garfield, Dana Andrews, Kirk Douglas... or Barbara Stanwick dumping the body on the railroad tracks... Build My Gallows High, The Killers, Kiss Me Deadly... things like that."

Head, Murray

A still of Murray Head from the film "The Family Way" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' "Stop Me If You Think You're Heard This One Before" single.

Hird, Thora

In a Q&A published in Uncut magazine in 2006, Morrissey answered the question "Thora Hird or Judi Dench?" with "Thora Hird".
According to an interview published in the May 1994 issue of Select magazine, while at Hook End Manor recording b-sides for the "Hold On To Your Friends" single, Morrissey had an audio book of "Alfie Lends A Hand" by Shirley Hughes read by Thora Hird.

Hoffman, Philip Seymour

In post-tour notes published on to the True-To-You website in September 2006 Morrissey wrote: "In Iceland I saw the film 'Capote' and, like everybody else, my jaw dropped at the performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think it is somewhat implausible though that Capote would be quite so casually accepted by the hardened natures of Dick and Perry, especially in view of Capote's bubblegum lisp. However, don't make fun of Truman's voice. It's easy to arrange a story into loving myth once all the central characters are dead, and I'm not even sure if Truman was a writer at all, or just someone who sneaked around and watched. But he was funny."

Hoskins, Bob

At the time of death of this actor in April 2014, Morrissey sent the following words to the True-To-You website: "Too sad to write anything. Life is a pigsty." A few days later, he sent another post stating "Leee Black Childers, Bob Hoskins, and now Efrem Zimbalist Jr... death is having a feast on the great and the good. Let it give us pause."

Hunter, Jeffrey

A still from the movie "In Love And War" showing Robert Wagner and Jeffrey Hunter in a pool was used as a stage backdrop on the Maladjusted tour. The image is actually not from the movie but from a promotional photo shoot. The image was also put on t-shirts sold at the merchandise stall on that tour.

Jacques, Hattie

Jacques played in many "Carry On..." films which Morrissey loves. In an interview published in the NME in July 1986, as he was discussing Carry On films, Morrissey said "When you think of Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor, Joan Sims, Sid James... the wealth of talent!"
She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Joyce, Yootha

A photo of Yootha Joyce on the set of the 1965 film "Catch Us If You Can" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' "Ask" single and the Germany-only "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" single.
She also starred in "Charlie Bubbles" another of Morrissey's favourite films.

Keitel, Harvey

A still of Harvey Keitel from the film "Who's Knocking At My Door" was almost used for the artwork of the "Strangeways Here We Come" album. When Keitel finally gave his approval it was too late so the image was used by Morrissey as a backdrop on the 1991 Kill Uncle tour. The image was also used on merchandise sold on that tour.

Laughton, Charles

He was mentioned by Morrissey in 1985's Meat Is Murder tour programme as his favourite actor, particularly for his performance in Hobson's Choice.
He also played in "The Old Dark House" another of Morrissey's favourite movies.

Ledger, Heath

In a Q&A published in Uncut magazine in 2006, Morrissey answered the question "Heath Legder or Jake Gylennhaal?" with "Yes, Heath No Heath".

Lee, Bruce

An image of Lee taken in the 1970s was used as a backdrop on 2014 dates.

Magnani, Anna

She is namechecked in Morrissey's "You Have Killed Me". She played in Pasolini's films "Accattone" and "Mama Roma", which Morrissey also mentions in the latter song, and movies by Rossellini, whose work Morrissey appreciates.

Mansfield, Jayne

Morrissey wrote in his book "Exit Smiling" that she "...overshadows [Marylin] Monroe in the comic-erotic stakes".

Marais, Jean

A still of Jean Marais taken from the movie "Orphée" was used for the artwork of the Smiths' "This Charming Man" single.

McFee, Malcolm

Morrissey's song "Little Man What Now" is said to be about this child actor, according to Morrissey friend James Maker.

McQueen, Steve

As seen in a photo published in the 6 November 1999 issue of Times, Morrissey had a huge framed photograph of Steve McQueen on the living room wall of his Los Angeles home.
According to a biography of the actor, McQueen used to sign his telegrams "Esteban" instead of "Steve", which may or may not have had an influence on Morrissey's decision to title a dvd compilation of his promo videos "�Oye Esteban!".

Mills, John

He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.
In the Kill Uncle tourbook, Morrissey answered "Sir John Mills or Ronnie Kray" to the question "Which living person do you most admire?"
He played in many films loved by Morrissey, such as In Which We Serve, Dunkirk, Tiger Bay, Hobson's Choice and The Family Way.

Mitchell, Yvonne

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Mount, Peggy

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Murray, Cheryl

This 'Coronation Street' actress played in the video for Morrissey's "Everyday Is Like Sunday" single.

Newley, Anthony

The "Don't leave us in the dark" sample at the end of Morrissey's song "Billy Budd" is Newley as the Artful Dodger in David Lean's "Oliver Twist".
The sample heard in the opening of Morrissey's song "Maladjusted" is a line from this actor in the movie "Cockleshell Heroes". The line in question and Newley's name are cited in the "Maladjusted" album's booklet.
On the 2000 half of the Oye Esteban tour Morrissey often changed a line in his song "Now My Heart Is Full" to "Anthony Newley raised to wait" or "Tony Newley raised to wait".
For more Anthony Newley, have a look at the Under The Influence: music section.

Olivier, Laurence

A still of Laurence Olivier and Terence Stamp from the film "Term Of Trial" almost graced the cover the Holland-only Smiths single "The Headmaster Ritual", but Olivier did not consent to his image being used by the band, or at least not on time for the release schedule.
The line "A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place" told by Laurence Olivier to Michael Caine in the film "Sleuth" was used by Morrissey in the lyrics for "This Charming Man".

Orchard, Julian

Morrissey used this obscure actor's name as a pseudonym in some private correspondance with journalist Len Brown (and perhaps others).

O'Sullivan, Richard

In a private conversation between Morrissey and Russell Brand mentioned in an April 2008 interview of the former by the latter, Morrissey discussed this actor, and more particularly the television series "Man About The House" in which he played.

Paddick, Hugh

He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Phoenix, Pat

A still of this "Coronation Street" actress was used for the cover of the Smiths' single "Shakespeare's Sister".
She also played in the movie "The L-Shaped Room" another of Morrissey's favourites and "Jack The Ripper", which Morrissey very likely also appreciated.
Morrissey interviewed Pat Phoenix for Blitz magazine in 1985. Of her iconic role of Elsie Tanner in Coronation Street, he said "Elsie was the screen's first 'angry young woman'; a wised-up, tongue-lashing cylindrical tempest, sewn into cheap and overstuffed dresses, harnessed by severe poverty, staunchly defending her fatherless children, devouring a blizzard of temporary husbands in dour Salford council dwellings. It was the skill of Pat's acting that earned Elsie great distinction as mother, sister and lover to millions."
In an interview published in the 3 August 1985 issue of Record Mirror Morrissey said his interviewing her: "Oh, she was simply a blizzard of professionalism - of goodwill, of warmth - she was like a hurricane. She just simply exploded into the room and I was quite taken aback by this. You simply wanted to rush towards her bosom - and - you know - remain there forever. (...) At the end of the day when the interview had happened and we sat and talked about certain things and I was getting ready to leave, she took me aside and said 'You're a very unhappy person'. I was momentarily frozen and she went on to explain why I was unhappy - and why I was ambitious and did things I did. It seems that throughout the day she had been analysing the way I am. It was a very solemn half hour for me to listen to because she was so accurate. It seemed at that instance that there was even more to her than I had ever imagined - her skill and her ability as an observant person was quite awesome."
She was included by Morrissey in a list titled "Handsome Devils" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.
Journalist Len Brown in his biography "Meetings With Morrissey" mentions discussing Pat-Phoenix-era Coronation Street in private correspondance with Morrissey.
In interview (source needed) Morrissey said that Coronation Street "choked and died" when she left.

Reynolds, Burt

When Mark Nevin sent instrumental demos to Morrissey's house in 1990, he was asked to address it to Burt Reynolds.
The name was also used by Morrissey as a pseudonym when using certain studios.

Rhodes, Marjorie

She was mentioned by Morrissey in 1985's Meat Is Murder tour programme as one of his favourite actresses, particularly for her performance in "The Family Way".
She was included in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Richardson, Ralph

He was mentioned by Morrissey in 1985's Meat Is Murder tour programme as one of his favourite actors, particularly for his role in "Long Day's Journey Into Night".

Rush, Jason

Before appearing in the video for Morrissey's "The Last Of The Famous International Playboys" single this actor had had a role in Eastenders, a British television programme of which Morrissey was very fond in the early 1990s.

Rutherford, Margaret

She was mentioned by Morrissey in a private letter to penpal Robert Mackie in the early 80s (since leaked to fans and on the internet).
She was also mentioned by Morrissey in 1985's Meat Is Murder tour programme as one of his favourite actresses, particularly for her role in "The Happiest Days Of Your Life".

Schoeffling, Michael

According to an interview he gave to i-D magazine in 2004, Morrissey was obsessed with this actor in the early 1980s: "He was this astonishlingly good-looking model. He tried to become an actor, made about three films in Hollywood, then went off and had loads of children. He was an absolute hero to me."

Sheen, Martin

The "Go on!" sample that kickstarts the song "Roy's Keen" is Martin Sheen's voice, from the 1968 film "The Subject Was Roses".

Sim, Alastair

He was mentioned by Morrissey in 1985's Meat Is Murder tour programme as one of his heroes. Amongst other films he played in Morrissey favourites "The Happiest Days Of Your Life" and "An Inspector Calls".
He was included in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Sims, Joan

Sims played in many "Carry On..." films which Morrissey loves. In an interview published in the NME in July 1986, as he was discussing Carry On films, Morrissey said "When you think of Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor, Joan Sims, Sid James... the wealth of talent!"
She played the role of a medium in the video for Morrissey's "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" single.
When interview by Vox magazine in 1990, he said the highlight of the year for him was "Standing next to Joan Sims when we made 'Ouija Board Ouija Board'. Mainly because she was so excellent, so enormously gifted, and here I was, a silly sausage from somewhere near Manchester."

Smith, Maggie

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Spriggs, Elizabeth

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Stamp, Terence

He was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".
A still of Stamp from the movie "The Collector" graced the cover of the Smiths' "What Difference Does It Make?" single.
A still of Laurence Olivier and Terence Stamp from the film "Term Of Trial" was almost used on the cover the Holland-only single "The Headmaster Ritual", but Olivier did not consent to his image being used by the band.
Morrissey is seen with a framed photo of Terrance Stamp in a photo session published in the NME in 1989.
In the Kill Uncle tour programme Morrissey says that his perfect idea of happiness is being Terence Stamp
Morrissey used the pseudonym Terrace Stomp in the credits of his "Kill Uncle" album.
Besides the above he played lead in "Billy Budd" and "Poor Cow", two of Morrissey's favourite movies.

Stanwick, Barbara

In an interview published in Hot Press magazine in June 2008 Morrissey said "I like the film history of Los Angeles, and I'm constantly searching for the smogginess and dim-light of those old films... Susan Hayward in Smash-Up, or Susan Hayward in I Want To Live... or anything starring Richard Conte, John Garfield, Dana Andrews, Kirk Douglas... or Barbara Stanwick dumping the body on the railroad tracks... Build My Gallows High, The Killers, Kiss Me Deadly... things like that."

Steadman, Alison

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Steed, Maggie

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite actors titled "Thespians Of The World" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Stritch, Elaine

In his "Autobiography", Morrissey praises her and mentions seeking her out and spending time with her.
Morrissey mourned her passing in a post published on the True To You website in July 2014.

Thesiger, Ernest

He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Thomsett, Sally

In a private conversation between Morrissey and Russell Brand mentioned in an April 2008 interview of the former by the latter, Morrissey discussed this actress, and more particularly the film "The Railway Children" and the television series "Man About The House" in which she played.

Tushingham, Rita

She was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".
A still of Rita Tushingham from the movie "A Taste Of Honey" was used for the artwork of the "Hand In Glove" collaboration single between the Smiths and Sandie Shaw.
The film "The Knack... And How To Get It" features Rita Tushingham playing a Northern girl who gets off the train at Euston and looks for the YWCA. It is therefore very likely to have inspired Morrissey when he wrote the lyrics to the songs "London" and "Half A Person", particularly because those two songs were written at the same time.
Footage of Colin Campbell and Rita Tushingham from the movie "The Leather Boys" was used in the video for the Smiths' "Girlfriend In A Coma" single.

Van Doren, Mamie

This actress was celebrated in Morrissey's book "Exit Smiling".

Wagner, Robert

A still of Robert Wagner and Jeffrey Hunter in a pool was used as a stage backdrop on the Maladjusted tour. The image itself was not seen in the movie, it is from a promotional photo shoot. The image was also put on t-shirts sold at the merchandise stall on that tour.

Watts, Queenie

She was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.

Webb, Clifton

He was mentioned alongside nine other 'symbolists' in a list titled "Portrait Of The Artist As A Consumer", Morrissey's top ten films, symbolists, records and books published in the 17 September 1983 issue of the NME.
In a questionnaire published in the mid-1980s (source needed), Morrissey answered the question "If you'd been born in a previous life, who do you think you might have been?", with "Clifton Webb. He was an old screen actor who played an eccentric character called Mr Belvedere. He was always very stern and grumpy with everyone. I think I might easily have been him in a previous life."
The scene in the "Suedehead" video where Morrissey is typing in the bath may have been inspired by the character Webb played in the 1944 film "Laura".

Whitelaw, Billie

A still of Billie Whitelaw from the movie "Charlie Bubbles" was used on the cover of the "William It Was Really Nothing" single re-issue.
She appeared in the video for Morrissey's "Everyday Is Like Sunday" single.
The line "Beethoven was deaf and Sarah Bernhardt had one leg, and if they can make it so can you" from her biography might have inspired the title of Morrissey's 1993 live album "Beethoven Was Deaf".
She also played in another of Morrissey's favourite movies, "The Krays".

Wild, Jack

For some time he was thought to have inspired Morrissey's song "Little Man, What Now?", but according to Morrissey friend James Maker, the song was actually inspired by Malcolm McFee who appeared in the 1970s British television series, "Please Sir!".

Williams, Kenneth

Williams played in many "Carry On..." films which Morrissey loves. He was ill at ease with his sexuality, lived in a semi-isolation and frequently talked about the desirability of death. Morrissey is thus often compared to him.
He was at some point considered by Morrissey as a potential cover star of one of the Smiths' releases.
In an interview published in the NME in July 1986, as he was discussing Carry On films, Morrissey said "When you think of Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, Barbara Windsor, Joan Sims, Sid James... the wealth of talent!"
When Williams died in April 1988 Morrissey penned his obituary for the NME. Excerpt: "I loved his bomb-shelter Britishness, his touch-me-not wit, his re-ironed figure, stylishly non-sexual; his facial features were as funny as anything he ever said...those special clenched timing and aghast priggish close-ups. The passion absent in his celibate existence appeared to the brim, and past the birm, in his work. Another irreplaceable strip of Britishness falls away."
He was included by Morrissey in a list of favourite people titled "Odd Fellows" published in the 16 September 1989 issue of the NME.
He starred with Hugh Paddick on the BBC radio show "Round The Horne", a programme heavy on innuendo and polari/palare (a secret slang popular among underground men in Victorian England; palare inspired Morrissey for his song "Piccadilly Palare" and the titles of the "Bona Drag" album and the song "Striptease With A Difference").
In the "Bona Books" sketch from "Round The Horne" Williams' character Sandy and Paddick's character Julian work on a film titled "Motor Cycle Au Pair Boy". The latter fictitious title was etched on the reverse side of a one-sided limited edition of Morrissey's "Interesting Drug" single, next to an etched image of Oscar Wilde.
The first ever "Round The Horne" sketch was titled "Rentachap", an expression Morrissey used to describe his friend/personal assistant Peter Hogg in the tour programme sold on the 1991 Kill Uncle tour.
In "Peepholism - Into The Art Of Morrissey" Jo Slee wrote: "Morrissey's affection for both Charles Hawtrey and fellow Carry on star Kenneth Williams was very particular and very personal." An image of both of them dressed as women, from Carry On Constable, was at some point considered for use on a sleeve.
In an interview published in the December 1995 issue of Life (The Observer magazine) Morrissey talked about Kenneth Williams' diaries: "It was quite gruesome, quite gruesome. I've read it a couple of times and each time it's been like a hammer on the head. An astonishingly depressing book. It's incredibly witty and well done, but the hollow ring it has throughout is murderous, absolutely murderous. I think he was always depressed, because the diaries spread over a 40-year period and even at the beginning of them he was saying 'why am I alive, what's the point?' And this was 1952. It's astonishing that he lasted so long."
He wrote in his diaries "Every day is something to be got through. All the recipes of the past are no longer valid. I've spent all my life in the mind. I have entered into nothing." which might have inspired the line found in Morrissey's song "You Have Killed Me".

Zimbalist, Efrem Jr.

Following the death of this famous actor in May 2014, Morrissey sent the following words to the True-To-You website: "Leee Black Childers, Bob Hoskins, and now Efrem Zimbalist Jr... death is having a feast on the great and the good. Let it give us pause."

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stephane@PassionsJustLikeMine.com