Harry Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Anderson
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Anderson at the 1988 Emmy Awards
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Harry Laverne Anderson
October 14, 1952 Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.
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| Died | April 16, 2018 (aged 65) |
| Alma mater | Fullerton College |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian, magician |
| Years active | 1978–2014 |
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| Children | 2 |
Harry Laverne Anderson (October 14, 1952 – April 16, 2018) was a talented American actor, comedian, and magician. He was best known for playing Judge Harry Stone on the TV show Night Court. He also starred as Dave Barry in the sitcom Dave's World.
Harry Anderson was also a skilled magician. He performed magic and comedy shows for many years. He even appeared as a con man named Harry "The Hat" Gittes on the popular show Cheers. Later, he played Richie Tozier in the 1990 TV miniseries It, based on the scary novel by Stephen King.
Contents
Early Life and Magic Beginnings
Harry Anderson was born on October 14, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island. He loved magic from a young age. He spent much of his youth performing magic tricks on the streets. He performed in big cities like Chicago, New York, and New Orleans.
When he was 16, Harry moved to California. He joined a magic club there. At 17, he worked as a street magician in San Francisco. He finished high school in 1970 as the top student in his class. After high school, he went to Fullerton College. From 1971 to 1976, he lived in Ashland, Oregon. He continued to perform magic and worked with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Harry Anderson's Acting Career
Harry Anderson became famous for his many appearances on Saturday Night Live. These appearances helped him get the role of Harry "The Hat" Gittes on the sitcom Cheers. This led to his most famous role as Judge Harry Stone on Night Court.
He also appeared on many other TV shows. He was on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 12 times. As a magician, Harry toured a lot. He performed in many comedy and magic shows. One of his shows was called Harry Anderson's Sideshow in 1987.
In 1990, Harry starred in the TV adaptation of Stephen King's It. He played the adult Richie Tozier. From 1993 to 1997, he starred in the sitcom Dave's World. This show was based on the life and writings of humorist Dave Barry.
Harry also wrote a book with his friend Turk Pipkin. It was called Games You Can't Lose: A Guide for Suckers. The book was about tricks, cons, and scams. He also appeared with magician Criss Angel in a TV special called The Science of Magic.
In 2002, Harry moved to New Orleans. He and his second wife, Elizabeth, opened a shop there. It was called "Spade & Archer Curiosities by Appointment." They sold magic items and other interesting things. In 2005, Harry opened a nightclub in New Orleans called Oswald's Speakeasy. He performed his one-man show, Wise Guy, there.
Harry appeared in a documentary called Hexing a Hurricane. It was about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. In 2008, he played himself on an episode of 30 Rock. He was with other Night Court cast members. In his later years, Harry appeared on shows like Comedy Bang! Bang! (2013). His last movie role was in the 2014 film A Matter of Faith.
Personal Life and Family
Harry Anderson was a big fan of singer Mel Tormé. His character on Night Court, Judge Stone, was also a Tormé fan. Mel Tormé even appeared on Night Court six times. Harry gave a speech at Mel Tormé's funeral in 1999.
Harry was married twice. In 1977, he married Leslie Pollack. They had two children, a daughter named Eva Fay and a son named Dashiell. They divorced in 1999. In 2000, he married Elizabeth Morgan. In 2006, Harry and Elizabeth moved to Asheville, North Carolina.
His Passing
In early 2018, Harry Anderson became sick with the influenza (flu). He later had several strokes. On April 16, 2018, Harry passed away in his sleep at age 65. He died from a stroke caused by the flu and heart disease at his home in Asheville, North Carolina.
Images for kids
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Anderson with his first wife, Leslie Pollack, at the 39th Primetime Emmy Awards, September 1987
See also
In Spanish: Harry Anderson para niños
