Anita Morris — Biography

Anita Morris, born Anita Rose Morris in Durham, North Carolina, faced a significant health battle starting in 1980 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Doctors initially gave her a grim prognosis of only five years to live. Defying those odds, Morris continued to live for another fourteen years, ultimately passing away on March 2, 1994. Her professional journey began on the Broadway stage, gracing productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Seesaw, and Nine. Her performance in Nine earned her a Tony Award nomination, recognizing her talent. On the silver screen, she is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal of Carol Dodsworth, the mistress to Danny DeVito's character, in the 1986 film Ruthless People. Prior to her film work, audiences saw her in the 1984 music video for the Rolling Stones' song "She Was Hot." Morris was also the mother of actor James Badge Dale, known for his role as Chase Edmunds in the third season of the television series 24.