Harry Anderson's Net Worth and Salary
Harry Anderson was an American actor, writer, director, producer, and magician who had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2018. He is best known for his role as Judge Harry Stone on NBC's 'Night Court' (1984–1992). Anderson also portrayed columnist Dave Barry on the CBS sitcom 'Dave's World' (1993–1997) and Richie Tozier in the 1990 Stephen King miniseries 'It.' His filmography includes movies like 'The Escape Artist' (1982), 'She's Having a Baby' (1988), and 'A Matter of Faith' (2014), along with television appearances on 'Saturday Night Live' (1981–1985), 'Cheers' (1982–1993), 'Tales from the Crypt' (1990), and '30 Rock' (2008).
Anderson wrote for 'Night Court' and 'Dave's World,' directed episodes including 'Caught Red Handed' (1987) and 'A Closer Look' (1990), and produced the 1987 TV movie 'Harry Anderson's Sideshow.' He also published 'Harry Anderson's Games You Can't Lose: A Guide for Suckers' in 1989 and starred in TV specials such as 'Harry Anderson's Hello Sucker' (1986) and 'Harry Anderson: The Tricks of His Trade' (1996). Harry passed away in April 2018 at the age of 65.
Early Life
Harry Laverne Anderson was born on October 14, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island. His parents divorced, leading him to move to Chicago with his mother and siblings. He developed an early interest in magic, performing on the streets of Chicago and other cities before relocating to California at 16 years old. As a teenager, he joined the Dante Magic Club in Los Angeles and worked as a street magician in San Francisco. Harry graduated as the valedictorian from North Hollywood High School in 1970. He lived in Ashland, Oregon, from 1971 to 1976, and was involved in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Career
Anderson's television debut came in 1978 on 'The Big Laff Off.' He then appeared on 'The Mike Douglas Show' (1980), 'An Evening at the Improv' (1981), and 'The Toni Tennille Show' (1981). From 1981 to 1985, he appeared on 'Saturday Night Live' eight times, hosting once in 1985. His first film role was in 'The Escape Artist' (1982). He also appeared as Harry "The Hat" Gittes on NBC's 'Cheers' and starred as Judge Harold "Harry" T. Stone on 'Night Court' from 1984 to 1992, earning three Primetime Emmy nominations. Anderson guest-starred on series like 'Tales from the Darkside' (1985), 'Tanner '88' (1988), and 'Parker Lewis Can't Lose' (1992). He played lead roles in TV movies like 'The Absent-Minded Professor' (1988) and the miniseries 'It' (1990).
(Photo by Derek Storm/FilmMagic)
From 1993 to 1997, he starred as columnist Dave Barry on 'Dave's World,' also appearing on shows like 'Night Stand with Dick Dietrick' (1996), 'The John Larroquette Show' (1996), 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' (1997), and 'Son of the Beach' (2002). He played Elwood P. Dowd in the 1996 remake of 'Harvey.' In 2002, Anderson and his wife opened a shop called Spade & Archer Curiosities by Appointment in New Orleans. They later opened Oswald's Speakeasy, where he performed his one-man show 'Wise Guy.' His post-Katrina efforts included featuring in the documentary 'Hexing a Hurricane' (2006). Anderson continued acting with appearances on 'Comedy Bang! Bang!' (2013) and the film 'A Matter of Faith' (2014).
Personal Life
Anderson married Leslie Pollack in 1977, and they had two children, Eva (born 1981) and Dashiell (born 1985), before divorcing in 1999. Eva is an accomplished actress, writer, and producer. Harry married Elizabeth Morgan in 2000, and they remained together until his death. Harry and his 'Night Court' character were fans of singer Mel Tormé, who appeared on the show multiple times. Harry delivered a eulogy at Mel Tormé's funeral.
Death
In January 2018, Anderson contracted the flu, leading to multiple strokes. He passed away in his sleep at his Asheville home on April 16, 2018, at 65 years old. His death was attributed to a stroke compounded by influenza and heart disease.
Award Nominations
Anderson received three Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role on 'Night Court' in 1985, 1986, and 1987.
Real Estate
In 2001, Harry and Elizabeth bought a home in New Orleans for $950,000, selling it for $895,000 in 2006. They also purchased a 3,297 square foot home in Asheville, North Carolina, for $570,000 around that time.
