The celebrity basset hound that charmed 1950s America

J.J. Morgan, celebrity dog

The basset hound that charmed America

Alex Q. Arbuckle

1950

Morgan plays third wheel on the television show Blind Date. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

During its short lifetime television has produced many actors and critics, but now it has produced its first really important actor and critic combined. - Life Magazine, Mar. 27, 1950

When the weekly musical variety show A Couple of Joes premiered on ABC in 1949, the titular hosts Joe Rosenfield and Joe Bushkin were quickly eclipsed in fame by their occasional co-star J.J. Morgan, a three-year-old basset hound owned by producer Richard Gordon.Morgan didn’t do tricks or perform feats of agility and intelligence, but his soulful snout and droopy eyes won the hearts of audiences. His deadpan reactions to the actors and musicians around him quickly earned him guest spots on other television shows.A tongue-in-cheek LIFE magazine article in March 1950 declared him a celebrity, praising his “polished acting and superb critical aplomb."Here's to one of the OG animal memes, in black and white.

Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Morgan registers a blend of critical disdain worthy of George Jean Nathan and Queen Victoria. - Life Magazine, Mar. 27, 1950

Morgan endures a musical performance during an episode of A Couple of Joes. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Morgan listens approvingly to trombonist Mike Riley. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Morgan joins Peggy Martin in a duet. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Bill Grady, a contestant on Blind Date, chats with Laurie Collier as he holds on to Morgan. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Grady and Collier begin their date, to Morgan's disinterest. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Collier and Arlene Francis are starstruck by Morgan's appearance. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Morgan reluctantly joins the conversation. Credit: Walter Sanders/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Morgan visits a "Diaper Derby" baby race in Palisades Park, New Jersey. Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Through it all, Morgan maintained the long-faced hauteur that distinguishes him from most other television stars. - Life Magazine, Mar. 27, 1950

Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images