Harry Anderson, an actor best known for his comedy, found dead at his home in North Carolina last Monday. Anderson aged 65, played a comedian role for nine years in the famous NBC comedy show “Night Court“. According to Ashville Police Department, a call was received on Monday morning from Anderson’s house that he was found dead in the house. Police also reported that no criminal activity was involved in his death.
In Night Court, Anderson played a role of Judge Harry T. Stone and expressed his love for the actress Jean Harlow in that show. Other than Night Court, Harry also participated in shows like “Cheers” and “Dave’s World.”
Anderson was well known for his acting as well magician skills. While giving an interview back in 1987, Anderson said that he loves to perform magic tricks since he was a kid. He added that his school teachers used to ask him what he would do in future and this question made him what he was.
Harry Anderson was born on October 14, 1952, in Newport. Anderson spent his childhood in rainy days and traveled a lot with his mother and in an interview, he called his mother as a ‘hustler’.
Harry spent the early days in New York and then as a teenager he moved to Oregon. He once told that Oregon was the place which made me an unconventional person. Harry said that the Shakespeare Festival at Oregon is a perfect place for opening a magic store. He also said that he was ready to retire in his teenage but he continued his career as a magician and performed in many festivals of San Francisco.
Anderson learned the basics of a street performer in different cities like New York, Texas, Orleans and Austin. Harry made his debut on Saturday Night Live show. According to him, his first job was “Cheers.” Basically, it was the character of Anderson which was developed on the streets. He made his living by hustling in the streets and drinking in bars.
Anderson performed a lot in Saturday Night Live Shows before Night Court turned him into a well-known personality. In 1985, he also hosted “Saturday Night Live.”
“Night Court” aired from 1984 to 1992 on NBC and Anderson performed the leading role in that show. He was also nominated three times as the leading comedian for his role in the said show.
After “Night Court” ended, Anderson played a role of Prize-winning humor columnist Dave Barry in “Dave’s World” which aired from 1993 to 1997.
In 2002, a magazine reported that Anderson has left the Hollywood and joined a magic shop in New Orleans as an owner.
In 2002, Anderson made his appearance as a guest in ‘Son of the Beach’ and then in 2008 he took part in NBC’s show ’30 Rock’. Anderson was not fond of acting in Hollywood and for most of the time, he stayed away from Hollywood.
While telling his story, Anderson told that I am richer than Davy Crockett. I have enough money to settle back and do whatever I want. And the last and only thing that I want to do is doing magic tricks with the cards. I want to do magic shows for my clients which would earn me $20,000 per show. According to Anderson, he was left disappointed searching for acting roles in his middle age. In 1970, Anderson sold his California’s house and started living in New Orleans.
Celebrities were shocked by the departure of Anderson. His “Night Court” co-star Markie Post said that she is devastated by Harry’s death. Another “Night Court” co-star, Marsha Warfield paid a tribute to Harry saying that I tipped my hat to you and you will always remain in our hearts.
The destruction of Katrina Hurricane forced Anderson to move to Asheville. Anderson was married twice and had two children with his first wife Leslie Pollack. Then he married to Elizabeth Morgan and she is the only one surviving among them. Harry left two children and one of his two wives behind. He will be always be remembered as a great magician as well as a stylish comedian.