Who Is Rolf Harris? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rolf Harris was born on March 30, 1930, and passed away on May 10, 2023. He lived a remarkable life as an Australian entertainer, artist, and musician, garnering a career that spanned decades. Known for his jovial personality and artistic talent, Harris made significant contributions to the entertainment world, particularly during the 1960s and 70s. His blend of music, art, and television endeared him to audiences worldwide.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 30, 1930 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Bassendean, Western Australia |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Australia |
| Date of death | 10 May, 2023 |
| Died Place | Bray, Berkshire, England |
Popularity
Rolf Harris's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Rolf Harris stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, and during his active years, he maintained a robust physique. His weight fluctuated over the years due to various health conditions as he aged. Nonetheless, he was often described as having a charismatic presence both on stage and in art.
In October 2022, it was reported that Harris was suffering with neck cancer, unable to talk, and was being fed via a tube. He also required 24-hour care. Harris died at his home in Bray, Berkshire, on 10 May 2023, aged 93.
His death was not publicly announced until 23 May, when it was confirmed to the media by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead register office. His death certificate gave the cause of death as neck cancer and "frailty of old age".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rolf Harris was married to Alwen Hughes since 1958 until his passing in 2023. They had one daughter, Bindi Harris, and one son, a testimony to his family-oriented values that he cherished throughout his life. Prior to his passing, Harris’s relationships were characterized by a strong bond with his wife, who supported his endeavors. However, his later years were marred by personal controversies that affected his public image significantly.
He grew up in Wembley, Perth. He was named after Rolf Boldrewood, the pseudonym of an Australian writer whom his mother admired. After his later fame, Harris was often referred to within Australia as "the boy from Bassendean". As a child he owned a dog called Buster Fleabags, about whom he later wrote a book (for the UK Quick Reads Initiative).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Rolf Harris's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, significantly drawn from his prosperous career in music and television. His earnings came from various sources, including record sales, television appearances, and art sales. Despite controversies that affected his reputation, Harris had left a financial legacy that has garnered public interest even after his passing.
At Southwark Crown Court on 4 July 2014, Mr Justice Sweeney sentenced Harris to a total of five years and nine months in prison. When passing sentence, the judge said to Harris: "You have shown no remorse for your crimes at all.
Your reputation now lies in ruins, you have been stripped of your honours but you have no one to blame but yourself." Some sentences were expected to run consecutively, and Harris was expected to serve half of his sentence in prison. He was told to pay prosecution costs, though not compensation to the victims.
The sentence was referred to the Attorney General Dominic Grieve after complaints that it was too lenient. On 30 July 2014, the new Attorney General, Jeremy Wright, announced that he would not be referring the sentence to the Court of Appeal for review "as he did not think they would find it to be unduly lenient and increase it.
The sentencing judge was bound by the maximum sentence in force at the time of the offending."
Career, Business and Investments
Harris began his career in Australia before gaining fame in the UK with hits like "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" and "Two Little Boys." He also ventured into television, hosting popular shows and making cameo appearances. Harris was an accomplished artist and even exhibited in some prestigious galleries.
In the later years of his career, he explored business opportunities in painting and had invested in various art-related ventures. Despite his fall from grace due to legal battles and scandals, many still remember Harris for his early contributions to entertainment, which are the foundation of his extensive career.
Rolf Harris (30 March 1930 – 10 May 2023) was an Australian musician, television personality, painter, and actor. He used a variety of instruments in his performances, notably the didgeridoo and the Stylophone, and is credited with the invention of the wobble board. He was convicted in England in 2014 of the sexual assault of four underage girls, which effectively ended his career.
Social Network
Rolf Harris maintained a presence on social media platforms, although he faced significant backlash following his legal issues. Before those controversies, he was particularly active on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shared artworks and connected with fans. In remembrance, many of his fans continue to reflect on his earlier works through various online discussions and tributes.
Harris was the presenter of Hi There and Hey Presto it's Rolf in 1964. By the time The Rolf Harris Show was broadcast in 1967, lasting until 1974, on BBC1, he had gained a high profile on British television. He was the commentator for the United Kingdom in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest.
Education
Harris studied at the Perth Technical College in Western Australia, where he honed his artistic skills. His education played a crucial role in shaping his talents, both in art and music, which would later define his career. His unique blend of skills allowed him to create a niche for himself in the entertainment industry.
Harris attended Bassendean State School and Perth Modern School in Subiaco, later gaining a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Australia and a Diploma of Education from Claremont Teachers' College (now Edith Cowan University).
While he was just 16, and still a student at Perth Modern School, his self-portrait in oils was one of the 80 works (out of 200 submitted) accepted to be hung in the Art Gallery of New South Wales as an entry in the 1947 Archibald Prize.
He painted a portrait of the then Lieutenant Governor of Western Australia, Sir James Mitchell, for the 1948 Archibald Prize. He won the 1949 Claude Hotchin prize for oil colours with his landscape "On a May Morning, Guildford".
Conclusion
The legacy of Rolf Harris is multifaceted; while he achieved tremendous success as an entertainer, his life was also marked by controversy. As we remember Rolf in 2025, it’s essential to reflect on both his artistic contributions and the lessons gleaned from his later challenges. The discussion surrounding his career and personal life continues to evoke strong emotions and dialogues in the industry.
