Harry Anderson's Main TV Roles Show Character(s) Night Court Judge Harol… Dave's World Dave Barry Mondo Magic Harry Ander…

Main Movie Roles

BIOGRAPHY:

Harry Laverne Anderson (born October 14, 1952) is an American actor and magician. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Anderson was a street magician before becoming an actor. He is best known for the role of Judge Harry Stone on the 1984-1992 television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man "Harry the Hat" on Cheers, toured extensively as a magician, and did several magic/comedy shows for broadcast, including Harry Anderson's Sideshow (1987).
In 1990, he starred in the successful television adaptation of Stephen King's It directed by Tommy Lee Wallace. From 1993 to 1997, Anderson starred in the sitcom Dave's World, based loosely on the life and columns of humor columnist Dave Barry. Together with long-time friend Turk Pipkin, Anderson wrote a book called Games You Can't Lose: A Guide for Suckers, a collection of gags, cons, tricks and scams. First published in 1989 (ISBN 1-58080-086-6—2001 reprint), this title also contains a survey of "Games You Can't Win" told from an insider's perspective. He appeared with Criss Angel in a TV special called The Science of Magic, later released on DVD.
A long-time Mel Tormé fan, Anderson gave the eulogy at the singer's funeral. Judge Stone in Night Court was also a Tormé fan; its creator Reinhold Weege says the fact that Anderson was also a Tormé fan was completely coincidental.
Anderson moved to New Orleans in 2002.He and his second wife Elizabeth opened a small shop in the French Quarter named "Sideshow" selling various "magic, curiosities, and apocrypha." In the summer of 2005, Anderson also opened a nightclub in the French Quarter called "Oswald's Speakeasy", located at 1331 Decatur Street at the corner of Esplanade Avenue.[6] He performed a one-man show there called Wise Guy.
Anderson appears in Hexing a Hurricane, a documentary about the first six months in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
In August 2006, Anderson and his wife announced their decision to leave New Orleans, citing concerns including declining tourism to the city, the re-election of Mayor Ray Nagin, and the depressed mood prevailing in New Orleans.
In November 2008, Anderson played himself on an episode of 30 Rock along with fellow Night Court cast members Markie Post and Charles Robinson.


TRIVIA:

• Incorporates pickpocket techniques in his magic act.
• Before he became an actor, he taught a course on how to detect frauds and confidence ("con") artists.
• Father of Eva Fay and Dashiell.
• Graduated as valedictorian of North Hollywood High School, 1970.
• When appearing on _"Saturday Night Live" (1975)_ (qv) in 1982, he performed a "geek trick" by sticking a long needle through the skin of his forearm. He said to some squeamish audience members "It's just a trick!" Then to show that it wasn't "real," he moved the needle back and forth and blood began to pour out of the "wound.".
• Magician turned actor
• Reportedly was once a Three Card Monte dealer on New York City streets.
• In the summer of 2005, he opened a nightclub in the French Quarter of New Orleans called "Oswald's Speakeasy," where he is often featured as a performer.