Who Is Phil Harris? Age, Biography and Wiki
Phil Harris was an esteemed American actor and musician, whose vibrant career spanned several decades. Born on June 24, 1904, Harris captivated audiences with his charming personality and musical talent until his passing in 1995. His contributions to film, radio, and television have left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry, making him a beloved figure among fans of classic Americana.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1904 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Linton, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 11 August, 1995 |
| Died Place | Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Phil Harris's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Phil Harris's height and weight during his prime are less documented, he was known for his charismatic presence, fitting the typical performer profile of his era. Measurements such as 6 feet tall and a weight of around 180 lbs were not uncommon for leading men in Hollywood during the time he thrived.
In 1936, Harris became musical director of The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny singing and leading his band, with Mahlon Merrick writing much of the show's music. When Harris exhibited a knack for snappy one-liners, he joined the cast, portraying himself as a hip, hard-drinking Southerner whose good nature superseded his ego.
He gave the others nicknames, such as "Jackson" for Jack Benny. Addressing a man as "Jackson" or sometimes "Mr. Jackson" became popular slang in the early 1940s. His signature song was "That's What I Like About the South".
Many of his vocal recordings were comic novelty "talking blues", similar to the songs of Bert Williams, which are sometimes considered a precursor to rap.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Phil Harris was married twice. His first marriage was to Alice Faye, a fellow actor and singer, with whom he had a loving relationship until her passing. He later married Bea Benaderet, further intertwining his life with notable Hollywood figures. Throughout his life, Harris was known for valuing family and often spoke fondly of his loved ones.
Wonga Philip Harris (June 24, 1904 – August 11, 1995) was an American actor, bandleader, entertainer and singer. He was an orchestra leader and a pioneer in radio situation comedy, first with The Jack Benny Program, then in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show in which he co-starred with his wife, singer-actress Alice Faye, for eight years.
Harris is also noted for his voice acting in animated films. As a voice actor, he voiced Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), Little John in Robin Hood (1973), and Patou in Rock-a-Doodle (1991). As a singer, he recorded a number one novelty hit record, "The Thing" (1950).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Phil Harris's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a testament to his successful career in entertainment spanning over five decades. His income derived not only from his acting roles but also from his work in radio and music, where he earned significant sums through performances and recordings.
Career, Business and Investments
Phil Harris's career took off in the 1930s when he joined the popular music scene. He became a frequent performer on radio shows, most notably the Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, which showcased his comedic timing and musical talent. His film career included roles in major productions, enhancing his fame. Beyond entertainment, Harris invested in various ventures, although specific details on his business endeavors remain sparse.
Harris began his music career as a drummer in San Francisco, in the mid-1920s playing drums in the Henry Halstead Big Band Orchestra. He formed an orchestra with Carol Lofner in the latter 1920s and started a long engagement at the St. Francis Hotel. In the 1930s, Lofner and Harris recorded swing music for Victor, Columbia, Decca, and Vocalion.
The partnership ended by 1932, and Harris led a band in Los Angeles for which he was the singer and bandleader.
Social Network
While Phil Harris himself was not part of the modern social media landscape, his legacy continues to thrive online. Fans and historians frequently share information and memories about him on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, celebrating his influence on entertainment. Numerous documentaries and retrospectives also keep his memory alive in popular culture.
* Harris starred as Baloo in the 1967 animated film The Jungle Book and sang the song "The Bare Necessities". He also performed with Louis Prima on the song "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)".
Education
Phil Harris’s educational background remains relatively private. However, he often exhibited a natural talent for performance early in his life, suggesting that his skills were honed more through experience in the entertainment industry rather than formal education.
