'Night Court' actor Harry Anderson found dead in his North Carolina home
Harry Anderson, an actor, a comedian and a magician, who was best known for playing Judge Harry T. Stone in the NBC series Night Court, died on Monday (April 16) morning in North Carolina. He was 65. The demise of the actor came to light after the Asheville Police Department responded to the home of the actor.
"This morning at 6:41 am the Asheville Police Department responded to the home of actor Harry Anderson where he was found deceased," the Asheville Police Department told the Hollywood Reporter. "No foul play is suspected." 'Night Court' managed to win the hearts of many as the show ran from 1984 – 1992 and managed to earn seven Emmy Awards and 31 nominations, including three for Anderson.
During his career, Harry made various cameos on Saturday Night Live, Cheers, Dave’s World and starred as Richie Tozier in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It. He first started his career as a magician and slowly moved towards acting.
"I started in magic and then I got out on the street and realized I can make more money on the street hustling with the shell game," Anderson told Johnny Carson in 1988.
"So I hustled until I got my jaw broken and then I sat around with my mouth wired shut for six weeks and figured out maybe linking rings were safer. And went back to the magic, and on the street, comedy was a great tool."
After hearing the loss of a wonderful actor, various people paid tribute to Harry and admired the person he had been. Judd Apatow paid tribute on Monday afternoon, tweeting: "I interviewed Harry Anderson when I was 15 years old and he was so kind and frank and hilarious. The interview is in my book Sick In The Head. He was a one of a kind talent who made millions so happy."
Actress Markie Post, who acted opposite Anderson for seven seasons, tweeted "I am devastated. I’ll talk about you later, Harry, but for now, I’m devastated." Meanwhile, fellow Night Court actress Marsha Warfield posted a video remembrance to Anderson on Facebook. Harry is survived by his two kids, Eva Fay Anderson and Dashiell Anderson.