Actor Profile: Ed Harris

By Webmaster

  • Actor Profile: Ed Harris

    Ed Harris is a distinguished American actor and director, celebrated for his intense performances and versatility across film and television. With a career spanning over four decades, Harris has earned acclaim for his portrayals of complex characters, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

    Early Life and Education

    Born on November 28, 1950, in Englewood, New Jersey, Ed Harris was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey. He is the son of Margaret (Sholl), a travel agent, and Robert Lee Harris, a bookstore worker who also sang professionally. Both of his parents were originally from Oklahoma.

    Harris attended Columbia University, where he played football for two years before developing an interest in acting. He then studied at the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his craft and laid the foundation for his acting career.

    Career Highlights

    Ed Harris’s filmography is extensive, showcasing his range from intense dramas to science fiction epics. Notable works include:

    • “Pollock” (2000): Harris directed and starred as American painter Jackson Pollock, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

      “The Truman Show” (1998): He portrayed Christof, the creator of a reality TV show, delivering a compelling performance that added depth to the film’s exploration of reality and media.

    • “Apollo 13” (1995): Harris played Gene Kranz, the flight director during the Apollo 13 mission, a role that garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
    • “Westworld” (2016–2020): In the HBO series, Harris took on the role of the Man in Black, a mysterious and complex character, further showcasing his versatility in television.

    Personal Life

    Ed Harris has been married to actress Amy Madigan since 1983. The couple has one daughter, Lily, born in 1993. Harris is known for his dedication to his craft and his preference for privacy regarding his personal life.

    Quotes

    Ed Harris has shared insights into his approach to acting and life:

    • “First of all, acting is a lifelong situation.”
    • “You have to be willing to expose yourself, at least to yourself, to get to some kind of truth about a character.”

    Vital Statistics

    • Full Name: Edward Allen Harris
    • Date of Birth: November 28, 1950
    • Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
    • Height: 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
    • Profession: Actor, Director, Producer
    • Years Active: 1975–present
    • Spouse: Amy Madigan (married in 1983)
    • Children: 1 (daughter Lily Harris)

    Legacy

    Ed Harris’s commitment to his craft and his ability to portray a wide array of characters have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His performances continue to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and respected actor.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What is a Leading Character?

    What is a Leading Character? Exploring the role, importance, and characteristics of leading characters in film, television, and literature (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Defining a Leading Character In any narrative—whether on screen, stage, or…

    What is a Male Actor Called?

    What is a Male Actor Called? Exploring the terminology, history, and modern usage of the word “actor” for men (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Defining the Term: What is a Male Actor Called? The most…

    Who is the greatest female actor of all time?

    Who is the greatest female actor of all time? Exploring the legendary careers that have shaped the world of cinema (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Question of Greatness: What Defines a Great Female Actor?…

    What is the difference between leading actor and lead actor?

    What is the difference between leading actor and lead actor? Unpacking the subtle distinction between two frequently used industry terms (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Understanding the Basics: What Do the Terms Mean? In the…

    Can You Make a Living Doing Improv?

    Can You Make a Living Doing Improv? Exploring the Viability of Improv as a Full-Time Career Path in the Entertainment Industry (By Ray Reese) Improvisational comedy, or improv, has become increasingly visible thanks…

  • Ad

  • What is Bad Improv?

    What is Bad Improv? An Exploration of Common Pitfalls and Mistakes in Improvisational Comedy (By Ray Reese) Improvisational comedy, or improv, is an art form that thrives on spontaneity, creativity, and collaboration. Whether…

    What is the Writers Guild of America (WGA)?

    What is the Writers Guild of America (WGA)? Understanding the Role, Power, and Purpose of the Writers Guild in Hollywood and Beyond (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Introduction: Defining the WGA The Writers Guild of…

    Can You Practice Improv Alone?

    Can You Practice Improv Alone? Unlocking Solo Creativity: How Improvisation Can Thrive Without a Partner (By Ray Reese) Introduction: The Solo Performer’s Dilemma When most people think of improv, they picture a high-energy…

  • Ad

  • DO ACTORS MEMORIZE THE ENTIRE SCRIPT?

    DO ACTORS MEMORIZE THE ENTIRE SCRIPT? An Insight into the Memorization Process for Actors (By Ray Reese) The Complex World of Acting and Script Memorization Acting is an art that requires much more…

    What Was the Least Successful Movie of All Time?

    What Was the Least Successful Movie of All Time? Exploring the film industry’s most infamous flops and what went wrong (By Carmichael Phillip) The Criteria for a Box-Office Failure Movie success is often…

    What Is the Most Recognizable Movie Quote of All Time?

    What Is the Most Recognizable Movie Quote of All Time? Exploring the most iconic lines that have defined cinema history (By Carmichael Phillip) The Timeless Power of a Single Line Some movie quotes…

    What Famous Movie Line Was Improvised?

    What Famous Movie Line Was Improvised? Exploring iconic unscripted movie moments that became unforgettable quotes (By Carmichael Phillip) The Power of Improvisation in Film Improvisation in film is like catching lightning in a…

    What Does CSA Stand for After a Name?

    What Does CSA Stand for After a Name? Understanding the meaning of CSA in film and television credits and the role of casting professionals (By Jim Webb) What Is CSA? When you see…

  • Ad

  • Why Don’t Movies Have Opening Credits Anymore?

    Why Don’t Movies Have Opening Credits Anymore? Exploring the evolution of the cinematic opening and why the tradition of long opening credits has nearly vanished (By Jim Webb) The Golden Age of Opening…

    What is the Number 1 Best Movie of All Time?

    What is the Number 1 Best Movie of All Time? A deep dive into the debates, rankings, and arguments behind the most acclaimed movie in cinematic history (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Impossible…

    How Much Do Principal Broadway Actors Make?

    How Much Do Principal Broadway Actors Make? A behind-the-scenes look at Broadway paychecks, perks, and how stars earn a living on the Great White Way (By Carmichael Phillip) Understanding the Role of a…

  • Ad

  • How Long Are the Commercials Before a Movie?

    How Long Are the Commercials Before a Movie? Everything you need to know about pre-show ads, trailers, and what to expect before the main feature starts (By Jim Webb) The Basics: What Comes…

    What is a Top Billed Actor?

    What is a Top Billed Actor? A deep dive into one of Hollywood’s most coveted credit positions (By Jim Webb) Understanding the Term: What Does “Top Billed” Mean? The phrase “top billed actor”…

    What does “in association with” mean in film credits?

    What does “in association with” mean in film credits? Understanding the role of secondary production companies in the filmmaking process (By Jim Webb) Introduction: Cracking the Code of Film Credits When you watch…

    What Nationality Is Flo from Progressive?

    What Nationality Is Flo from Progressive? The cultural background of a beloved commercial icon and its impact on her persona (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Rise of Flo: An Iconic Commercial Character Flo, the…

    What Insurance Company Keeps You from Becoming Your Parents?

    What Insurance Company Keeps You from Becoming Your Parents? Exploring how choosing the right insurance can help break the cycle and create your own financial path (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Generational Insurance Trap…

  • Ad