Born: August 17, 1923 - Died: October 17, 2004
Julius Harris, born on August 17, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an acclaimed actor known for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Before making his mark in films, Harris worked as a bouncer in New York City and had various connections with struggling actors. It was on a dare that he auditioned for his first role in the well-received movie "Nothing But a Man" (1964), where he portrayed a father in the South. Harris' imposing physique and commanding voice led him to garner numerous appearances in the popular blaxploitation genre. He became particularly iconic for his portrayal of the menacing villain "Tee Hee" in the James Bond film "Live and Let Die" (1973). Throughout his career, Harris displayed his versatility in various character roles on both television and film.
Early Life and Career
Julius Harris, born on August 17, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had a humble upbringing. Harris started his career as a bouncer in New York City and had connections with struggling actors in the entertainment industry.
Harris got his start in acting on a dare when he auditioned for the film "Nothing But a Man" (1964). His performance in this well-received movie, where he played a father in the South, showcased his talent and paved the way for his future success. He quickly gained recognition for his impressive physique and deep voice, which helped him secure numerous appearances in the popular blaxploitation genre.
His breakthrough role came as the menacing villain "Tee Hee" in the James Bond film "Live and Let Die" (1973). This iconic portrayal catapulted Harris into stardom and solidified his status as a notable actor in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Harris displayed his versatility by taking on various character roles in both television and film. He worked consistently in the 1980s and earned praise for his performances in movies such as "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974) and "King Kong" (1976). While the 1990s proved to be a quieter period for him, Harris continued to work in the industry.
Although not extensively awarded, Harris's contributions to the entertainment industry were highly regarded. He did not receive any major awards, but his performances in "Live and Let Die" and "Nothing But a Man" were widely acclaimed.
In terms of his personal life, Harris is survived by his daughter Kimberly and his son Gideon.
Julius Harris had a significant impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry. His portrayal of memorable characters in various films, particularly in the blaxploitation genre, left a lasting impression on audiences. He is remembered as an accomplished actor who brought depth and intensity to his roles, establishing himself as an icon in the industry.
Unfortunately, Julius Harris passed away on October 17, 2004, at the age of 81, due to heart failure. However, his contributions to the world of film and television continue to be celebrated and remembered.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | ER (TV Series) | Gramps |
| 1996 | The Burning Zone (TV Series) | Tribal Shaman |
| 1994 | Shrunken Heads | Mr. Sumatra |
| 1993 | The Gifted | Unknown |
| 1992 | Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence | Houngan |
| 1992 | The Boys (TV Movie) | Doc |
| 1992 | Eerie, Indiana (TV Series) | Prop Man |
| 1992 | Jake and the Fatman (TV Series) | James Allan Chester |
| 1992 | Grave Secrets: The Legacy of Hilltop Drive (TV Movie) | Elderly Farmer |
| 1992 | Nurses (TV Series) | Rev. Curtis |
| 1991 | Last Breeze of Summer (Short) | The Reverend |
| 1991 | Civil Wars (TV Series) | Judge Adams |
| 1991 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Jack Lee Johnson |
| 1991 | Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man | Old Man |
| 1991 | The Golden Girls (TV Series) | Mr. Lewis |
| 1990 | Prayer of the Rollerboys | Speedbagger |
| 1990 | Dragnet (TV Series) | Mr. Leyland |
| 1990 | Darkman | Gravedigger |
| 1990 | To Sleep with Anger | Herman |
| 1989 | 1st & Ten (TV Series) | Willie Buck Newton |
| 1989 | Friday the 13th: The Series (TV Series) | Simpson |
| 1988 | Split Decisions | Tony Leone |
| 1987 | Frank's Place (TV Series) | Mr. Kicks |
| 1987 | A Gathering of Old Men (TV Movie) | Coot |
| 1987 | Outlaws (TV Series) | Butch |
| 1986 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Minister |
| 1986 | Capitol (TV Series) | Papa Nebo |
| 1986 | Hollywood Vice Squad | Jesse |
| 1983–1986 | Cagney & Lacey (TV Series) | Sgt. Major Brennan | Bardo |
| 1986 | My Chauffeur | Johnson |
| 1985 | Amazing Stories (TV Series) | Joe |
| 1985 | Crimewave | Hardened Convict |
| 1985 | Hollywood Wives (TV Mini Series) | Reverend Daniel |
| 1984 | The Jeffersons (TV Series) | Rev. Taylor |
| 1984 | Benson (TV Series) | Uncle Buster |
| 1984 | Booker (TV Movie) | Lee |
| 1984 | Gone Are the Dayes (TV Movie) | Man #1 |
| 1984 | The Enchanted | Booker T |
| 1984 | Hart to Hart (TV Series) | Krohn |
| 1983 | Going Berserk | Judge |
| 1983 | Missing Pieces (TV Movie) | Spencer Harris |
| 1983 | St. Elsewhere (TV Series) | Earl |
| 1981–1982 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) | Jules | Montgomery |
| 1982 | Voyagers! (TV Series) | Auctioneer |
| 1982 | The Blue and the Gray (TV Mini Series) | Preacher | Swamp Preacher |
| 1981 | Full Moon High | Hijacker (uncredited) |
| 1981 | Circle of Power | B.B. |
| 1981 | Thornwell (TV Movie) | Frisco |
| 1980 | First Family | Ambassador Longo |
| 1980 | Gorp | Fred the Chef |
| 1979 | Uptown Saturday Night (TV Movie) | Geechie Dan |
| 1979 | The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) | Doc Alden |
| 1979 | Delta Fox | Tiny (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1978–1979 | Insight (TV Series) | Baggott | Avery |
| 1979 | Vega$ (TV Series) | Yancy |
| 1978 | B.J. and the Bear (TV Series) | Colonel Whitmore |
| 1978 | To Kill a Cop (TV Movie) | Detective Baker |
| 1978 | The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (TV Series) | Mr. Dove |
| 1978 | Ring of Passion (TV Movie) | Chappie Jackson |
| 1977 | The Fat Albert Christmas Special (TV Movie) | Mr. Tyrone (voice) |
| 1977 | Kojak (TV Series) | Joe Addison |
| 1977 | Looking for Mr. Goodbar | Black Cat |
| 1977 | Visions (TV Series) | Second Drunk |
| 1977 | Alambrista! | 2nd Drunk |
| 1977 | Islands in the Stream | Joseph |
| 1977 | Sanford and Son (TV Series) | Doctor |
| 1976 | Good Times (TV Series) | Ben Foster |
| 1976 | Victory at Entebbe (TV Movie) | President Idi Amin (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1976 | King Kong | Boan |
| 1976 | Rich Man, Poor Man (TV Mini Series) | Augie |
| 1975 | Friday Foster | Monk Riley |
| 1975 | Ellery Queen (TV Series) | Doyle the Butler |
| 1975 | Let's Do It Again | Bubbletop Woodson |
| 1975 | Doctors' Hospital (TV Series) | Tolan |
| 1975 | Cannon (TV Series) | Millner |
| 1975 | A Cry for Help (TV Movie) | George Rigney |
| 1975 | Harry O (TV Series) | Arthur 'Art Sully' Daniels |
| 1974–1975 | Salty (TV Series) | Clancy |
| 1974 | The Taking of Pelham One Two Three | Inspector Daniels |
| 1973 | Blade | Card Player |
| 1973 | Hell Up in Harlem | Papa Gibbs (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1973 | Shock-a-bye, Baby (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1973 | The Bob Newhart Show (TV Series) | Mr. Billings |
| 1973 | Salty | Clancy Ames (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1973 | Live and Let Die | Tee Hee (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1973 | Black Caesar | Mr. Gibbs (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1972 | Trouble Man | Big |
| 1972 | Super Fly | Scatter (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1972 | Shaft's Big Score! | Capt. Bollin (as Julius W. Harris) |
| 1971 | Incident in San Francisco (TV Movie) | Henry Carter |
| 1969 | Slaves | Shadrach |
| 1967–1969 | N.Y.P.D. (TV Series) | Hector | Banks | Hostage in bar |
| 1964 | Nothing But a Man | Will Anderson |
