Harry Landis

Harry Landis was an English actor known for his roles in Friday Night Dinner, EastEnders, and Oliver Twist. Born on November 25, 1926, in Stepney, London, he had a successful career in both theater and television.

Personal and Family Life

Harry Landis was born into a poor Jewish family in the East End of London. He had a troubled upbringing, working several minimum-wage jobs before discovering his passion for acting. Landis was married to Hilary Crane from 1965 until their divorce in 1972, and they had one child together named Katy Landis.

Career Highlights

Landis began his acting career after completing military service, receiving a grant to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama. His early work included performances with the Elizabethan Theatre Company and roles in various plays, with one of his notable performances being in Arnold Wesker’s play The Kitchen. On television, he became well-known for portraying Mr. Morris in Friday Night Dinner and the barber Felix Kawalski in EastEnders.

Death and Legacy

Harry Landis passed away on September 11, 2022, after battling cancer. He left behind a legacy as a dedicated actor and was remembered for his contributions to the UK acting community, including serving as the President of the actors’ union Equity from 2002 to 2008.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
A Hill in Korea 1956-09-18 Pvt. Rabin
Edge of Tomorrow 2014-05-27 Old Man 3
Edge of Sanity 1989-04-14 Coroner
Bitter Victory 1957-08-28 Private Browning
Further Up the Creek 1958-10-28 Webster
Operation Bullshine 1959-06-30 Gunner Wilkinson
The Villa Maroc 1972-02-17 Inspector Fazil
Oy Vay Maria 1977-11-08 Lionel
Un muro de silencio 1993-06-10 Moishe Smelker
The Grass Arena 1992-01-19 Kaufman
Bar Mitzvah Boy 1976-09-14 Solly
Ransom 1974-12-06 Lookout Pilot
Go for a Take 1972-12-12 Maurice
Dunkirk 1958-03-20 Dr. Levy
Desert Mice 1959-01-05 German Soldier
The Longest Day 1962-09-25 British Soldier (uncredited)
The Small World of Sammy Lee 1963-04-20 Lucky Dave’s Clumsy Barman
Billy Liar 1963-08-15 Man on Train (uncredited)
Doctor in Distress 1963-07-30 Man in Cafe (uncredited)
The Mayor’s Charity 1977-11-29 Jourdemayne Griffiths
Calculated Risk 1963-06-07 Charlie
The Caucasian Chalk Circle 1985-01-01 Alleko/Governor/Farmer 1/Peasant Husband/Peasant Neighbour
One Last Chance 1990-10-07 Alfie
Wall of Silence 1993-10-17 Moishe Smelker
Journey of No Return 1993-05-05 Conductor
The Informers 1963-11-29 Hicks (uncredited)
Friday Night Dinner: 10 Years and a Lovely Bit of Squirrel 2021-05-28 Himself
Soap Opera in Stockwell 1973-09-11 Joan
EastEnders 1985-02-19 Felix Kawalski
Jason King 1971-09-15
Crown Court 1972-10-11
Goodnight Sweetheart 1993-11-18
Jeeves and Wooster 1990-04-22 Proprietor
Bergerac 1981-10-18 Toby Newsom
The Avengers 1961-01-07
Minder 1979-10-29 Monty
The Saint 1962-10-04 Bloom
Lovejoy 1986-01-10 Leo
Barlow 1971-09-15
The Enigma Files 1980-04-15
No H