Harry Barris was an American actor known for his roles in Some Like It Hot, Birth of the Blues, and The Shining Hour.
Personal and Family Life
Harry Barris was born on November 24, 1905, in New York City. He had three marriages: first to Hazelle Thompson from 1925 to 1930, then to Loyce Whiteman from 1931 to 1946, and lastly to Esther Margie Barris. He was the father of Marti Barris and had one child with Hazelle Thompson. Barris was also related to actor and producer Chuck Barris, being his uncle.
Career Highlights
Harry was not only an actor but also a musician and songwriter. He was a member of The Rhythm Boys alongside Bing Crosby and Al Rinker. Throughout his career, he wrote songs for various famous entertainers and joined ASCAP in 1928. Some of his well-known songs include “Highways Are Happy Ways” and “Where Did You Learn to Love?”.
Death and Legacy
Harry Barris passed away on December 13, 1962, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to music and film have left an enduring legacy, especially in the genres of comedy and musical entertainment. He is remembered for his roles and the songs that continue to resonate in American entertainment history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Birth of the Blues | 1941-11-07 | Suds |
| The Shining Hour | 1938-11-18 | Bertie |
| Some Like It Hot | 1939-05-19 | Harry, Piano Player |
| And the Angels Sing | 1944-04-25 | Saxy |
| Double or Nothing | 1937-09-17 | Sing Orchestra Leader |
| Every Night at Eight | 1935-08-02 | Harry |
| Trade Winds | 1938-12-28 | Pianist (Uncredited) |
| Cowboy from Brooklyn | 1938-07-09 | Louie |
| Rambling ‘Round Radio Row #2 | 1932-10-22 | Self |
| Open Season for Saps | 1944-10-27 | Joe Wilson |
| The Lost Weekend | 1945-11-29 | Pianist at Harry & Joe’s (uncredited) |
| Secret Sinners | 1933-10-19 | Harry Barris – Pianist |
| Rhythm on the River | 1940-08-28 | Bass Sax Player |
| Something to Sing About | 1937-09-30 | Pinky – Band Pianist |
| The Fleet’s In | 1942-01-24 | Pee Wee |
| Confessions of a Co-Ed | 1931-07-11 | Harry |
| Priorities on Parade | 1942-07-23 | Harvey Erkimer |
| The Great American Mug | 1945-10-06 | Tipster in Barber Chair (uncredited) |
| The Blue Dahlia | 1946-04-16 | Belhop (uncredited) |
| West Point Widow | 1941-06-20 | Hot Dog Vendor |
| Anchors Aweigh | 1945-08-13 | Sailor Asking Joe to Get Autographs (uncredited) |
| The Spirit of Notre Dame | 1931-10-13 | William Appleton Shellingdon Pelt (“Wasp”) |
| Young Widow | 1946-03-01 | Officer’s Club Pianist (Uncredited) |
| Blondie Goes Latin | 1941-02-27 | Musician (uncredited) |
| Is Everybody Happy? | 1943-10-28 | Bob |
| Here Come the Waves | 1944-12-18 | Bandleader (uncredited) |
| Woo, Woo! | 1945-01-05 | Happy Husband |
| Steppin’ in Society | 1945-07-09 | Ivory |
| That Rascal | 1932-02-21 | |
| He’s a Honey | 1932-04-17 | |
| Now’s the Time | 1932-06-12 | |
| Holiday Inn | 1942-07-10 | Midnight Club Orchestra Leader (uncredited) |
| Show Boat | 1936-05-17 | |
| Two Plus Fours | 1930-08-10 | Harry |
| Better Not Roll Those Eyes | 1942-11-09 | |
| Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes | 1942-03-30 |