Harry Anderson, a comedic actor and magician, was found dead April 16, 2018, at his Asheville, NC home. The actor, most prominently seen in the comedy Night Court, was 65. His son, Dashiell, told TMZ that his father had passed away from natural causes.
Anderson starred as Judge Harry Stone on the longtime sitcom, which ran on NBC for nine seasons from 1984 to 1992. The series also starred John Larroquette, Richard Moll and Markie Post, has long been a syndication favorite. Anderson was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards for the series but failed to win.
Anderson’s other well known roles include eight appearances on Saturday Night Live and a recurring role as con man Harry “The Hat” Gittes on Cheers. Anderson was also an accomplished magician and appeared a dozen times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Following Night Court, he starred on the sitcom Dave’s World, which was based on the humor columnist Dave Barry.
Watch Anderson in his recurring role on Cheers as Harry “The Hat”
Upon hearing the news, fellow comedic actor and magician Neil Patrick Harris called Anderson “one of my comedy and magic inspirations growing up.”
Anderson was born Oct. 14, 1952 in Newport, RI.
Watch a scene from Night Court with the cherubic Judge Stone
Stunned by the passing of Harry Anderson, one of my comedy and magic inspirations growing up. We became friendly over the years – he worked at the @MagicCastle_AMA and recently sold me a handful of great magic memorabilia. My sincere condolences to his family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/k9FITPIaBS
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 17, 2018
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationSo sorry to hear about Harry Anderson’s passing. I never realized he was 65. All I know is that I loved that show, and never missed it! It was one of the funniest shows on TV back then. May he rest in peace.