Born in 1950 in Englewood, New Jersey, Edward Allen Harris emerged as a persistent presence in American cinema through a career spanning over four decades. Beginning in regional theater and television in the mid-1970s, he transitioned into a versatile character actor and filmmaker, securing recognition for his portrayals of historical figures and fictional characters alike across diverse genres.
Formative Years and Education
Harris grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, within a Presbyterian family. An athlete during his youth, he played varsity football at Columbia University before shifting his focus toward dramatic arts. His academic path included periods at the University of Oklahoma and the California Institute of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1975.
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Professional work commenced in the mid-1970s with stage productions at the Pasadena Repertory Theatre. Early film appearances included Coma in 1978 and Borderline in 1980. Concurrently, Harris sustained a steady presence on television through various anthology series and dramas, including guest roles on Lou Grant and The Rockford Files.
Rise to Cinematic Prominence
The 1983 film The Right Stuff marked a career turning point with his portrayal of John Glenn. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he collaborated with directors such as James Cameron and Oliver Stone in films including The Abyss and Nixon. His performance as Gene Kranz in Apollo 13 earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while his work in The Truman Show resulted in a Golden Globe win.
Directing and Recent Work
Harris moved into directing with the 2000 biopic Pollock, in which he played the titular artist. He later directed and starred in the 2008 film Appaloosa. In the 21st century, he expanded his television career with roles in the HBO miniseries Empire Falls and the science fiction series Westworld, continuing to appear in major film productions like Top Gun: Maverick.
Fast facts
- Born: 1950, Englewood, United States
- Education: California Institute of the Arts, BFA 1975
- Screen Actors Guild Award: 1996
- Drama Desk Award: 1986
- New Jersey Hall of Fame: 2019
- Citizenship: United States
- Religion: Presbyterianism
Questions readers ask
Did Ed Harris direct any films?
Yes, he directed and starred in the biopic Pollock (2000) and the film Appaloosa (2008).
What television series has Ed Harris appeared in?
His notable television work includes Lou Grant, Empire Falls, and the HBO series Westworld.
Achievements
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role — 1996
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture — 1996
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture — 1998
- Worked as film actor, film director and character actor
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