Barbara Harris was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Nashville,” “Freaky Friday,” and “The Apple Tree.” She was noted for her work in both film and theater, particularly in improvisational comedy.
Personal and Family Life
Barbara Harris was born on July 25, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois. She was the daughter of Oscar Graham Harris, a businessman, and Natalie Densmoor, a talented pianist. Harris was married to Paul Sills from 1955 to 1958. She began her acting career as a teenager, appearing in small roles in local theater productions.
Career
Barbara Harris was a pioneering figure in improvisational theater, performing with renowned troupes like The Compass Players and The Second City. Over her career, she earned critical acclaim, winning a Tony Award for her performance in “The Apple Tree.” She starred in various films, becoming well-known for her comedic and dramatic roles, showing great versatility as an actress.
Death and Legacy
Barbara Harris passed away on August 21, 2018, due to lung cancer in Scottsdale, Arizona. After her death, she was buried in a memorial cemetery in Markesan, Wisconsin. Her contributions to theater and film, particularly in improvisational comedy, have left a lasting impact on the performing arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Peggy Sue Got Married | 1986-10-10 | Evelyn Kelcher |
| Dirty Rotten Scoundrels | 1988-12-14 | Fanny Eubanks |
| Nashville | 1975-06-11 | Winifred / Albuquerque |
| Family Plot | 1976-04-09 | Blanche Tyler |
| Plaza Suite | 1971-05-12 | Muriel Tate |
| Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feeling So Sad | 1967-02-15 | Rosalie |
| A Thousand Clowns | 1965-12-13 | Sandra |
| Freaky Friday | 1976-12-17 | Ellen Andrews |
| The North Avenue Irregulars | 1979-02-09 | Vickie |
| The Seduction of Joe Tynan | 1979-08-17 | Ellie |
| Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? | 1971-06-15 | Allison Densmore |
| Nice Girls Don’t Explode | 1987-02-01 | Mom |
| The War Between Men and Women | 1972-06-01 | Terry Kozlenko |
| Second-Hand Hearts | 1981-05-08 | Dinette Dusty |
| Mixed Company | 1974-10-18 | Kathy Morrison |
| Grosse Pointe Blank | 1997-04-11 | Mary Blank |
| The Manchu Eagle Murder Caper Mystery | 1975-03-07 | Miss Helen Fredericks |
| Movie Movie | 1978-11-01 | Trixie Lane (“Baxter’s Beauties of 1933”) |
| The Lyrics of Alan Jay Lerner | 1966-02-21 | Herself |
| Broadway’s Lost Treasures | 2003-08-10 | Ella and Passionella (segment “The Apple Tree”) |
| A Doonesbury Special | 1977-11-27 | Joanie Caucus |
| Babe: Pig in the City | 1998-11-25 | Additional Character Voices (voice) |
| Naked City | 1958-09-30 | Helga Royd |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Beth |
| The Defenders | 1961-09-16 | Margit Wolsung |
| Tony Awards | 1956-04-01 | Self – Nominee / Performer |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Channing | 1963-09-18 | Sophie Kannakos |