Harry Anderson
| Harry Anderson | |
|---|---|
Anderson in 1988
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| Born |
Harry Laverne Anderson October 14, 1949 Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, director, magician |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 2 |
Harry Laverne Anderson (born October 14, 1949) is an American actor, screenwriter, director and magician. He is best known for the role of Judge Harry Stone on the 1984–92 television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man Harry "The Hat" Gittes on Cheers, toured extensively as a magician, and did several magic/comedy shows for broadcast, including Harry Anderson's Sideshow (1987).
Harry Anderson was born in Newport, Rhode Island. His first exposure to magic began when the Anderson family moved to Chicago. Anderson's father, who was a salesman, would occasionally take him to The Pump Room, the famous restaurant downstairs in the Ambassador East Hotel. There, Anderson discovered wise guys playing card games, hustling and occasionally performing magic tricks. The young Anderson became highly intrigued by the art of conjuring and wanted to learn more about the subject.
During his teen years, he had the opportunity to see legendary magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. perform. Anderson was fascinated by the performance and, in his after school time, would practice his magician skills. Anderson resided during high school in Orange County, California, and Hollywood. He attended Buena Park High School then North Hollywood High School, graduating in 1970 as class valedictorian.
He joined the Dante Magic Club where he met magicians Paul Harris and Paul Green. He also frequented the Magic Castle, where he befriended legendary magician Dai Vernon. At age 17, Anderson decided to move to San Francisco and worked the streets performing magic.
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