By Tim Binnall
Coast to Coast AM is deeply saddened to share the news that longtime friend of the program Dr. Morgus also known as Morgus the Magnificent has passed away at the age of 90. The creation of actor Sid Noel, the mad scientist character was a television fixture in New Orleans where, beginning in 1959, he hosted a late-night program presenting horror films. It was during those shows that Dr. Morgus shared his love of science with the viewers at home by conducting experiments from his 'laboratory' during segments between the movies. In 1964, the Dr. Morgus show moved to Detroit television, where it captured the imagination of a young George Noory, who years later interviewed his childhood idol on Coast to Coast AM on several occasions.
Beginning in 2004, Dr. Morgus made a number of appearances on C2C, recounting how being a scientist was a family tradition which stretched back to 4,380 years to Morgus the First, master architect of the great pyramid, and detailing how he was the true inventor of the cell phone and the internet. Perhaps his most memorable appearance on Coast occurred back in 2005 when Dr. Morgus surprised George by 'teleporting' into his LA studio while the two were on the phone. Reflecting on Dr. Morgus' passing, George Noory commented, "I was so fortunate to get to know him and have him on as a guest on Coast to Coast. He was a wonderful, talented, and witty guy."
Dr. Morgus continued making television and live appearances in recent years, including a one-man show in 2019 where he reflected on his prodigious career. He was also beloved in the New Orleans area for his charity work, often appearing in full mad scientist regalia at events to help raise awareness for various causes. In addition to all that, Dr. Morgus penned a children's book titled Fables to Grow On and helped develop a reading program for New Orleans schools and was inducted into the New Orleans Broadcasting Hall of Fame. More information on his remarkable life and career can be found here.