View source for Ed Harris

{{short description|American actor and director (born 1950)}}
{{Other people||Edward Harris (disambiguation){{!}}Edward Harris}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name         = Ed Harris
| image        = Ed Harris by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption      = Harris at the 2017 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]
| birth_name   = Edward Allen Harris 
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1950|11|28}}
| birth_place  = [[Englewood, New Jersey]], U.S.
| death_date   =
| death_place  =
| alma_mater   = {{ubl|[[Columbia University]]|[[University of Oklahoma]]|[[California Institute of the Arts]] ([[Bachelor of Fine Arts|BFA]])}}
| occupation   = {{hlist|Actor|filmmaker}}
| works        = [[Ed Harris filmography|Full list]]
| years_active = 1975–present
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Amy Madigan]]|1983}}
| children     = 1
}}

'''Edward Allen Harris''' (born November 28, 1950) is an American actor and filmmaker. Harris received nominations for the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] for his performances in ''[[Apollo 13 (film)|Apollo 13]]'' (1995), ''[[The Truman Show]]'' (1998), and ''[[The Hours (film)|The Hours]]'' (2002). He also directed and starred in ''[[Pollock (film)|Pollock]]'' (2000) and ''[[Appaloosa (film)|Appaloosa]]'' (2008), the former earning him a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]].

Harris has appeared in numerous leading and supporting roles, including ''[[Knightriders]]'' (1981), ''[[Creepshow]]'' (1982), ''[[The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff]]'', ''[[Under Fire (1983 film)|Under Fire]]'' (both 1983), ''[[Places in the Heart]]'', ''[[Swing Shift (film)|Swing Shift]]'' (both 1984), ''[[Alamo Bay]]'', ''[[Sweet Dreams (1985 film)|Sweet Dreams]]'' (both 1985), ''[[Jacknife]]'', ''[[The Abyss]]'' (both 1989), ''[[State of Grace (1990 film)|State of Grace]]'' (1990), ''[[Glengarry Glen Ross (film)|Glengarry Glen Ross]]'' (1992), ''[[The Firm (1993 film)|The Firm]]'' (1993), ''[[Nixon (film)|Nixon]]'' (1995), ''[[The Rock (film)|The Rock]]'' (1996), ''[[Stepmom (1998 film)|Stepmom]]'' (1998), ''[[A Beautiful Mind (film)|A Beautiful Mind]]'', ''[[Enemy at the Gates]]'' (both 2001), ''[[A History of Violence]]'' (2005), ''[[Gone Baby Gone]]'' (2007), ''[[The Way Back (2010 film)|The Way Back]]'' (2010), ''[[Snowpiercer]]'' (2013), ''[[A Crooked Somebody]]'', ''[[Mother!]]'' (both 2017), ''[[The Lost Daughter (film)|The Lost Daughter]]'' (2021), ''[[Top Gun: Maverick]]'' (2022), ''[[Love Lies Bleeding (2024 film)|Love Lies Bleeding]]'', and ''[[Riff Raff (2024 film)|Riff Raff]]'' (both 2024).

On television, Harris is notable for his roles as Warren on the [[CBS]] drama series ''[[Lou Grant (TV series)|Lou Grant]]'' (1979–81) and Miles Roby on the [[HBO]] drama miniseries ''[[Empire Falls (miniseries)|Empire Falls]]'' (2005). For his portrayal of [[John McCain]] on the HBO political drama television film ''[[Game Change (film)|Game Change]]'' (2012), Harris won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film]]. He starred as William / The Man in Black on the HBO dystopian sci-fi western series ''[[Westworld (TV series)|Westworld]]'' (2016–22), for which he was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series]].

==Early life and education ==
Harris was born at [[Englewood Hospital and Medical Center|Englewood Hospital]] in [[Englewood, New Jersey]], and grew up in the suburb of [[Tenafly, New Jersey]],<ref name="bravo">{{cite episode |title=Ed Harris |episode-link=Inside the Actors Studio |series=Inside the Actors Studio |series-link=Inside the Actors Studio |network=[[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo]]}}</ref> the son of Margaret (''née'' Sholl), a [[travel agent]], and Robert L. "Bob" Harris (1922–2014), who sang with the [[Fred Waring]] chorus and worked at the bookstore of the [[Art Institute of Chicago]].<ref name="Bob Harris">{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bob-l-harris-father-actor-680639 |title=Bob L. Harris, Father of Actor Ed Harris, Dies at 91 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Mike |last=Barnes |date=February 16, 2014}}</ref> Ed has an older brother, Robert and a younger brother, Paul.<ref name="Bob Harris"/> Ed grew up in a middle-class [[Presbyterian]] family.<ref name="ref1s">{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Ruthe |title=Ed Harris Has the Righteous Stuff, Too: Actor plays a particularly convincing priest in 'The Third Miracle' |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=January 9, 2000 |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/01/09/PK101712.DTL |access-date=December 10, 2007}}</ref><ref name="ref2">{{cite news |last=Pearlman |first=Cindy |title=Love the sinner: Harris repents for 'money' roles |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=February 6, 2000 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB424609562EF70&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |access-date=December 10, 2007 |archive-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007040039/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB424609562EF70&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |url-status=dead }}</ref> His parents were from Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/99977199.html?dids=99977199:99977199&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+16%2C+1986&author=BY+JOSEPH+C.+KOENENN&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Ed+Harris%3A+Inhabiting+his+characters&pqatl=google |first=Joseph C. |last=Koenenn |title=Ed Harris: Inhabiting his characters |date=March 16, 1986 |work=Newsday |access-date=July 6, 2017 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105072712/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/99977199.html?dids=99977199:99977199&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+16%2C+1986&author=BY+JOSEPH+C.+KOENENN&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Ed+Harris%3A+Inhabiting+his+characters&pqatl=google |url-status=dead}}</ref> He graduated from [[Tenafly High School]] in 1969, where he had played on the football team and served as the team's captain in his senior year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rohan |first=Virginia |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record-ed-harris/138968255/|title=North Jersey-bred and talented too |work=[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]] |date=June 18, 2007 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |quote=Ed Harris: Class of 1969, Tenafly High School.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Ruthe |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/03/25/MN92739.DTL&type=movies |title=They're Ready For Their Close-Ups: Camped out at Oscars, the starstruck wait to sneak a peek |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=March 25, 2001 |access-date=May 31, 2007 |quote=She's hoping to score a seat near the front and catch the eye of Oscar nominee Ed Harris, who went to Tenafly High School in New Jersey with her mother.}}</ref>

A star athlete in high school,<ref name="bravo"/> Ed Harris played [[Columbia Lions football|varsity football]] at [[Columbia University]] and was a teammate of future [[United States Attorney General]] [[Eric Holder]].<ref name=nymag>{{cite news |url=https://nymag.com/arts/theater/profiles/21970/ |title=Man, Oh, Man Ed Harris is not a control freak. Got that? |work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |last=Kachka |first=Boris |date=October 9, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1971 Columbia Football: The Cardiac Kids |url=https://gocolumbialions.com/news/2021/9/23/1971-columbia-football-the-cardiac-kids.aspx |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=Columbia University Athletics}}</ref> At Columbia, where he said he succumbed to the "[[Morningside Heights, Manhattan|Morningside Heights]] blues" after two years, he was a resident in [[Carman Hall]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Denby |first=David|date=September 19, 1983 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ncoBAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22carman+hall%22+columbia&pg=PA48 |title=Ed Harris |magazine=New York Magazine |page=48}}</ref> When his family moved to New Mexico two years later, Harris followed, having discovered his interest in acting in various theater plays. He enrolled at the [[University of Oklahoma]] to study drama.<ref name="bravo"/> After several successful roles in local theaters (such as the Jewel Box Theater<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Ryan |title=Method Man: Ed Harris |url=https://therake.com/stories/icons/method-man-ed-harris/ |website=The Rake |access-date=January 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=NPR Staff |title=The Unforgettable Performance Ed Harris Doesn't Remember |url=https://www.npr.org/2014/03/08/287296921/the-unforgettable-performance-ed-harris-doesnt-remember |access-date=January 18, 2019 |work=NPR |date=March 8, 2014}}</ref> in [[Oklahoma City]]), he moved to Los Angeles and enrolled at the [[California Institute of the Arts]], where he spent two years and graduated with a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]] in 1975.<ref name="bravo"/>

==Career==
=== 1976–1983: Rise to prominence ===

Harris began his career on the stage. In 1976, he played an FBI agent in the world premiere of [[Thomas Rickman (writer)|Thomas Rickman]]'s play ''Baalam'' at the Pasadena Repertory Theatre located at the historic [[The Hotel Carver]]. He followed that at the Pasadena Repertory Theatre in 1976 playing Lot in the West Coast premiere of [[Tennessee Williams]]' play ''Kingdom of Earth'' (aka ''[[The Seven Descents of Myrtle]]'').<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKittrick |first=Chris |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Ed Harris on Building a Character and His Take on Becoming an Actor |url=https://www.dailyactor.com/actor-tips/ed-harris-becoming-an-actor/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Daily Actor}}</ref> Harris' first film role came in 1978 with a minor part in the suspense film ''[[Coma (1978 film)|Coma]]'', starring [[Geneviève Bujold]] and [[Michael Douglas]]. His first major role in a film came two years later with ''[[Borderline (1980 film)|Borderline]]'' (1980), in which he starred alongside [[Charles Bronson]]. In 1981, Harris played the [[Leading man|lead]] as motorcycler William "Billy" Davis, (a role modeled after [[King Arthur]]), in ''[[Knightriders]]'', directed by [[George A. Romero]]. The following year, he had a small role as Hank Blaine in ''[[Creepshow]]'', also directed by Romero.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Michael |title=Every Future Movie Star in Creepshow |date=May 29, 2020 |publisher=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/creepshow-movie-future-stars/ |access-date=October 4, 2020}}</ref>

From the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, Harris found steady work on television. He had a role in one episode of ''[[Gibbsville (TV series)|Gibbsville]]'' (1975)'','' in one episode of ''[[Delvecchio (TV series)|Delvecchio]]'' (1977), in one episode of ''[[The Rockford Files]]'' (1978), in one episode of ''[[David Cassidy: Man Undercover]]'' (1978), two episodes of ''[[The Seekers (miniseries)|The Seekers]]'' (1979),<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Susan |date=July 4, 1993 |title=Retro : Patriot Frames : Fourth of July Week Is Full of Settlers, Seekers and Tall Tales |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-04-tv-9802-story.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> one episode of ''[[Barnaby Jones]]'' (1979), one episode of ''[[Paris (1979 TV series)|Paris]]'' (1980), three episodes of ''[[Lou Grant (TV series)|Lou Grant]]'' (1979, 1980, and 1981), one episode of ''[[CHiPs]]'' (1981), one episode of ''[[Hart to Hart]]'' (1981),<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2015 |title=4-Time Oscar Nominee Ed Harris Receives Star On Walk Of Fame |url=https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/03/13/4-time-oscar-nominee-ed-harris-receives-star-on-walk-of-fame/ |access-date=2020-09-21}}</ref> one episode of ''Cassie & Co.'' (1981), and one episode of ''[[American Playhouse]]'' (1984).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koehler |first=Robert |date=March 22, 1992 |title=STAGE : Examining the 'Scar' Tissue : With his film career on hold and his birthdays mounting, Ed Harris returns to the theater and a role that is making him review his life |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-22-ca-7399-story.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

=== 1983–1999: Breakthrough and leading roles ===
In 1983, Harris became well known after portraying astronaut [[John Glenn]] in ''[[The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff]]''.<ref name="bravo" /><ref name=":0" /> In 1984, he co starred in the [[Robert Benton]] directed drama film ''[[Places in the Heart]]''; during production of this film, Harris met and married his wife [[Amy Madigan]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=September 21, 1984 |title='Places in the Heart,' Benton's Waxahachie in the Depression |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/21/movies/places-in-the-heart-benton-s-waxahachie-in-the-depression.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 2, 2016 |title=Ed Harris to make West End debut |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-37256289 |access-date=2020-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ed Harris. Biography, news, photos and videos |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/ed-harris/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Hello Magazine |date=October 8, 2009}}</ref>

Also in 1984 he co-starred along with [[Goldie Hawn]] and [[Kurt Russell]] in the [[Jonathan Demme]] directed World War II biopic ''[[Swing Shift (film)|Swing Shift]]''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=April 13, 1984 |title=Goldie Hawn in Comedy, 'Swing Shift' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/13/movies/goldie-hawn-in-comedy-swing-shift.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and in 1985 played abusive husband [[Charlie Dick]] to [[Jessica Lange]]'s [[Patsy Cline]] in the HBO film ''[[Sweet Dreams (1985 film)|Sweet Dreams]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |date=October 2, 1985 |title=Film: Jessica Lange in 'Swwet Dreams' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/02/movies/film-jessica-lange-in-swwet-dreams.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 1986, he received a [[Tony Award]] nomination in the [[Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play|Best Actor in a Play]] category for his role in [[George Furth]]'s ''Precious Sons''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 1986 |title=List of Nominees for 1986 Tony Awards With PM-Tonys |url=https://apnews.com/8654f37e434fe1c53b5b3ec23a16d87e |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Ed Harris to Succeed Jeff Daniels in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' on Broadway |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/theater/ed-harris-jeff-daniels-mockingbird-broadway.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He also won the [[Theatre World Award]] and [[Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play]] for his performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.playbillvault.com/Person/Detail/77208/Ed-Harris |title=Ed Harris: Performer |work=[[Playbill]] |access-date=November 13, 2015}}</ref> Harris then portrayed [[William Walker (filibuster)|William Walker]], a 19th-century American who appointed himself President of [[Nicaragua]], in ''[[Walker (film)|Walker]]'' (1987).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=December 4, 1987 |title=Film: 'Walker,' Starring Ed Harris |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/04/movies/film-walker-starring-ed-harris.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That same year, he played Harry Nash in the HBO television thriller film ''[[The Last Innocent Man]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=John J. |date=April 17, 1987 |title=Tv Weekend; 'the Last Innocent Man' on Hbo |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/17/arts/tv-weekend-the-last-innocent-man-on-hbo.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In 1988, he acted in [[Agnieszka Holland]]'s ''[[To Kill a Priest]]'', starring [[Christopher Lambert]], based on [[Jerzy Popiełuszko]] and his murder under the [[People's Republic of Poland|Polish communist regime]]. It was well received by critics.<ref>{{Citation |title=To Kill a Priest |date=October 13, 1989 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/to_kill_a_priest/ |access-date=2018-04-08}}</ref> In 1989, his role as David "Dave" Flannigan in ''[[Jacknife]]'' earned him his first [[Golden Globe Award]] nomination, for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture|Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jacknife-1989 |title=Jacknife Movie Review & Film Summary |publisher=[[Roger Ebert|RogerEbert.com]] |first=Roger |last=Ebert |date=March 24, 1989}}</ref> Also in 1989, he portrayed Virgil "Bud" Brigman in the sci fi film ''[[The Abyss]],'' directed by [[James Cameron]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Ed Harris Discusses His 9 Best Movie Roles |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/29/ed-harris-movies/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Entertainment}}</ref>

In 1992, Harris co starred as Dave Moss in the drama film ''[[Glengarry Glen Ross (film)|Glengarry Glen Ross]]'', based on the [[Glengarry Glen Ross|play of the same name]] by [[David Mamet]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2017 |title='Glengarry Glen Ross': THR's 1992 Review {{!}} Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/glengarry-glen-ross-review-1992-movie-1044289|access-date=2020-09-21|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> He won the [[Seminci|Valladolid International Film Festival Award for Best Actor]] for his performance in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Linda |date=November 4, 1992 |title='Long Day,' 'Leolo' top Valladolid |url=https://variety.com/1992/scene/markets-festivals/long-day-leolo-top-valladolid-100642/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Variety}}</ref> He next appeared in the films ''[[The Firm (1993 film)|The Firm]]'' (1993)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=June 30, 1993 |title=Review/Film: The Firm; A Mole in the Den of Corrupt Legal Lions |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/30/movies/review-film-the-firm-a-mole-in-the-den-of-corrupt-legal-lions.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and ''[[Needful Things (film)|Needful Things]]'' (1993),<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 27, 1993 |title=MOVIE REVIEW : Villainy Controls 'Needful Things' : The film adaptation of Stephen King's bestseller delivers ideas as well as jolts, and a juicy satanic turn by Max Von Sydow, even as it muffles the story's main point. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-08-27-ca-28333-story.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> before portraying the lead role of Kyle Bodine in the neo noir film ''[[China Moon]]'' (1994).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Emanuel |date=January 17, 1994 |title=China Moon |url=https://variety.com/1994/film/reviews/china-moon-1200435262/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Variety}}</ref> In 1995, Harris portrayed [[Watergate scandal|Watergate]] figure [[E. Howard Hunt]] in the [[Oliver Stone]] biopic ''[[Nixon (film)|Nixon]]''. He received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as [[NASA]] Apollo Mission Control Director [[Gene Kranz]] in ''Apollo 13''.<ref name="bravo" /><ref name=":0" /> In 1996, Harris starred in and was executive producer for the television adaptation of ''[[Riders of the Purple Sage (1996 film)|Riders of the Purple Sage]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Everett |first=Todd |date=January 15, 1996 |title=Riders of the Purple Sage |url=https://variety.com/1996/film/reviews/riders-of-the-purple-sage-2-1200444483/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Variety}}</ref> That same year, he returned to [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] as Major Steve Arnold in the [[Ronald Harwood]] play ''[[Taking Sides (play)|Taking Sides]]''.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/features/article/ed-harris-seeks-the-man-behind-the-uniform-100825 |title=Ed Harris Seeks the Man Behind the Uniform |work=[[Playbill]] |first=Ellis |last=Nassour |date=October 16, 1996}}</ref> In 1998, his co starring role in ''The Truman Show'' earned him a second nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/oscar/movies/?id=trumanshow.htm |title=The Truman Show – 1998 Academy Awards Profile |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=November 13, 2015}}</ref> and won him   a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/digest/daily/jan99/globes24.htm |title='Private Ryan', Spielberg Win Golden Globes |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |first=Michael |last=Fleeman |date=January 24, 1999}}</ref>

=== 2000–2009: Directorial debut and other work ===
Harris made his directorial debut in 2000 with the drama biopic ''Pollock'', in which he also starred as artist [[Jackson Pollock]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=March 29, 1999 |title=Harris sets 'Pollock' as directorial debut |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/harris-sets-pollock-as-directorial-debut-1117492750/ |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=Variety}}</ref> He was nominated for his first [[Academy Award for Best Actor]] (his third Oscar nomination overall) for his performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/feb/25/features.awardsandprizes |title=Ed Harris: The ultimate splasher movie |work=[[The Guardian]] |first=Edward |last=Helmore |date=February 25, 2001}}</ref> To prepare for the role, he built a small studio in which to copy [[Hans Namuth#Jackson Pollock|the painter's techniques]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harrison |first=Helen A. |date=February 16, 2001 |title=Recreating Pollock, Gingerly |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/16/movies/recreating-pollock-gingerly.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Two years later, Harris was nominated for his fourth Academy Award (third in the Best Supporting Actor category) for his role as Richard Brown in the British American drama film ''The Hours''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/12/ed_harris_the_hours_interview.shtml |title=Ed Harris – The Hours Interview |work=BBC News |first=David |last=Michael |date=February 12, 2003}}</ref>

In between the two Oscar nominated roles, he appeared in the biographical drama ''[[A Beautiful Mind (film)|A Beautiful Mind]]'' (2001)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=A. O. |date=December 21, 2001 |title=FILM REVIEW; From Math To Madness, And Back |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/21/movies/film-review-from-math-to-madness-and-back.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and portrayed German sniper [[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Erwin König]] in the war thriller ''[[Enemy at the Gates]]'' (2001).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sragow |first=Michael |date=March 16, 2001 |title='Enemy at the Gates' is right on target War movie is right on target Review: With Jude Law as a Russian sniper, 'Enemy at the Gates' keeps its eye on the big picture even when focusing on the small scene. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2001-03-16-0103160144-story.html |access-date=2020-09-21 |website=The Baltimore Sun}}</ref> In 2002, he appeared in adverts for the [[Vauxhall Vectra]] in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2765561/Ad-of-the-Week-Vauxhall-puts-Vectra-on-trial.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2765561/Ad-of-the-Week-Vauxhall-puts-Vectra-on-trial.html |archive-date=2022-01-10 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Ad of the Week: Vauxhall puts Vectra on trial |publisher=www.telegraph.co.uk |date=June 18, 2002 |access-date=September 21, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
[[File:Ed Harris at TIFF 2005.jpg|thumb|Harris at the [[2005 Toronto International Film Festival]]]]
For his lead role as Miles Roby in the 2005 miniseries ''[[Empire Falls (miniseries)|Empire Falls]]'', Harris was nominated for a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie]] and a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/philip-seymour-hoffman-and-paul-newman-star-in-empire-falls-hbo-film-debuts-126159 |title=Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Newman Star in "Empire Falls" HBO Film, Debuts May 28–29 |work=[[Playbill]] |first=Ernio |last=Hernandez |date=May 28, 2005}}</ref> Also that year, he played a vengeful mobster in [[David Cronenberg]]'s ''[[A History of Violence]]'' (2005) starring [[Viggo Mortensen]]. In 2006, he portrayed composer [[Ludwig van Beethoven]] in the film ''[[Copying Beethoven]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6106226.stm |title=How Ed Harris learned Beethoven |work=BBC News |date=November 2, 2006}}</ref> and starred in the television documentary film ''[[The Armenian Genocide (film)|The Armenian Genocide]]'' as American diplomat [[Leslie Davis (diplomat)|Leslie Davis]]. He next appeared alongside [[Casey Affleck]] and [[Morgan Freeman]] in the [[Ben Affleck]] directed neo noir mystery film ''[[Gone Baby Gone]]'' (2007).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.movieweb.com/ed-harris-joins-ben-afflecks-gone-baby-gone/ |title=Ed Harris Joins Ben Affleck's 'Gone, Baby, Gone' |work=[[MovieWeb]] |date=April 20, 2006}}</ref> Harris then co-starred as antagonist Mitch Wilkinson in ''[[National Treasure: Book of Secrets]]'' (2007), alongside [[Nicolas Cage]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/515911-mirren_and_harris_join_national_treasure_2 |title=Mirren and Harris Join 'National Treasure 2' |publisher=ComingSoon.net |first=Brad |last=Brevet |date=March 28, 2007}}</ref> In 2008, he co wrote, directed and starred along with [[Viggo Mortensen]] in the western, [[Appaloosa (film)|''Appaloosa'']].

=== 2010–present: Career expansion ===
In 2010, he and wife Amy Madigan appeared together in Ash Adams' independent crime drama ''[[Once Fallen]]''. Later that same year Harris starred in the survival drama ''[[The Way Back (2010 film)|The Way Back]]'' as Mr. Smith. His performance received much critical praise, and he was suggested by critics to receive a fifth Oscar nomination.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2010/11/could-ed-harris-finally-win-an-oscar-for-the-way-back |title=Could Ed Harris Finally Win an Oscar for The Way Back? |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |first=John |last=Lopez |date=November 11, 2010}}</ref> Also in 2010, he portrayed the role of Jason Hudson in ''[[Call of Duty: Black Ops]]''. In 2012, he co-starred alongside [[Sam Worthington]] in the thriller film ''[[Man on a Ledge]]'' for [[Summit Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2010/film/news/ed-harris-joins-summit-s-man-on-a-ledge-1118026626/ |title=Ed Harris joins Summit's 'Man on a Ledge' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Dave |last=McNary |date=October 29, 2010}}</ref> He then won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film]] and was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie]] for his performance as Senator [[John McCain]] in the [[HBO]] made for television drama ''[[Game Change (film)|Game Change]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ed-harris-play-john-mccain-170608 |title=Ed Harris to Play John McCain in HBO's 'Game Change' |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Lacey |last=Rose |date=March 23, 2011}}</ref> In 2013, he appeared in the western thriller ''[[Sweetwater (2013 film)|Sweetwater]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/04/january-jones-and-ed-harris-star-in-sweetwater-257461/ |title=January Jones And Ed Harris Star In 'Sweetwater' |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |first=Mike Jr. |last=Fleming |date=April 17, 2012}}</ref> and starred opposite [[Annette Bening]] in the romantic drama film ''[[The Face of Love (2013 film)|The Face of Love]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/diane-keaton-ed-harris-star-97522 |title=Diane Keaton, Ed Harris to Star in 'Look of Love' |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |date=February 8, 2011}}</ref> Harris then voiced Mission Control in [[Alfonso Cuarón]]'s space epic ''[[Gravity (2013 film)|Gravity]]'' (2013), starring [[Sandra Bullock]] and [[George Clooney]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ed-harris-played-unseen-role-in-oscar-winning-gravity |title=Did you spot Ed Harris in "Gravity"? |work=[[CBS News]] |first=Amanda |last=Cochran |date=March 8, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, he portrayed the [[Cymbeline|title character]] in the film version of the [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] tragedy ''[[Cymbeline (film)|Cymbeline]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2013/film/news/ed-harris-cymbeline-ethan-hawke-1200574325/ |title=Ed Harris to Co-Star With Ethan Hawke in 'Cymbeline' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Justin |last=Kroll |date=August 5, 2013}}</ref> In 2016, he appeared alongside Madigan and [[Taissa Farmiga]] in [[The New Group]]'s revival of [[Sam Shepard]]'s ''[[Buried Child]]'', for which he was nominated for the [[Lucille Lortel Awards|Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/10/taissa-farmiga-buried-child-revival-1201570959/ |title='American Horror Story's Taissa Farmiga Joins Ed Harris, Amy Madigan In 'Buried Child' Revival |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Jeremy |last=Gerard |date=October 8, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2015/film/news/james-franco-assembles-cast-for-john-steinbeck-adaptation-of-john-steinbeck-in-dubious-battle-1201419696/ |title=James Franco Assembles Cast for Adaptation of 'In Dubious Battle' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Justin |last=Kroll |date=January 30, 2015}}</ref>

In 2016, he also began playing the villainous Man in Black in HBO's sci-fi thriller series ''[[Westworld (TV series)|Westworld]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2014/tv/news/ed-harris-westworld-hbo-1201280242/ |title=Ed Harris Joins HBO's 'Westworld' as Key Villain |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Alex |last=Stedman |date=August 11, 2014}}</ref> and had a co-starring role in the ensemble cast of [[Warren Beatty]]'s romantic comedy drama ''[[Rules Don't Apply]]'', with [[Lily Collins]] and [[Alden Ehrenreich]]. In 2017, he appeared in [[Dean Devlin]]'s sci-fi film ''[[Geostorm]]'', alongside [[Gerard Butler]] and [[Andy García]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/jim-sturgess-abbie-cornish-talks-725810 |title=Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish in Talks to Join Gerard Butler in 'Geostorm' (Exclusive) |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Borys |last=Kit |date=August 15, 2014}}</ref> Harris had been previously set to star in [[Alejandro González Iñárritu]]'s [[Starz]] drama series ''The One Percent'' with [[Hilary Swank]] and [[Ed Helms]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/07/ed-helms-hilary-swank-ed-harris-to-star-in-alejandro-gonzalez-inarritu-mrc-series-one-percent-807830/ |title=Ed Helms, Hilary Swank & Ed Harris In Talks To Star In Alejandro González Iñárritu's MRC Series 'One Percent' |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=July 22, 2014}}</ref> Harris co-starred in [[Darren Aronofsky]]'s horror film ''[[Mother!]]'' (2017), alongside [[Jennifer Lawrence]], [[Javier Bardem]], [[Michelle Pfeiffer]], and [[Domhnall Gleeson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/2016/film/news/jennifer-lawrence-darren-aronofsky-movie-domhnall-gleeson-michelle-pfeiffer-1201754767/ |title=Domhnall Gleeson, Michelle Pfeiffer Join Jennifer Lawrence in Darren Aronofsky Drama |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Dave |last=McNary |date=April 15, 2016}}</ref> Harris also starred in the 2017 movie [[Kodachrome (film)|Kodachrome]]. His performance was widely regarded as one of the film's highlights.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} 

In 2019, Harris took over the role of [[Atticus Finch]] in [[Aaron Sorkin]]'s stage adaptation of ''[[To Kill a Mockingbird (2018 play)|To Kill a Mockingbird]]'' on Broadway.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196172/ed-harris-to-replace-jeff-daniels-in-to-kill-a-mockingbird-on-broadway/ |title=Ed Harris to Replace Jeff Daniels in To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway |website=Broadway.com |access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref> The role was previously played by original cast member [[Jeff Daniels]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ew.com/theater/2019/06/14/ed-harris-to-kill-a-mockingbird-aaron-sorkin/ |title=Ed Harris to succeed Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch in Broadway's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' |website=EW.com |access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref> In 2022, Harris played Rear Admiral Chester "Hammer" Cain in the  blockbuster film ''[[Top Gun: Maverick]]''. Harris was in the film ''[[Love Lies Bleeding (2024 film)|Love Lies Bleeding]]'' as Lou Sr. in 2024.

==Personal life==
=== Marriage === 
Harris married actress [[Amy Madigan]] on November 21, 1983, while they were filming ''[[Places in the Heart]]'' together. They have one daughter, Lily Dolores Harris (b. May 3, 1993).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lifetimetv.co.uk/biography/biography-ed-harris |title=Biography: Ed Harris |website=[[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] |access-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020329/http://www.lifetimetv.co.uk/biography/biography-ed-harris |archive-date=November 17, 2015}}</ref> Harris lost his Malibu home in the [[Palisades Fire]] of January 2025.<ref>{{cite journal |url= https://people.com/ed-harris-on-losing-house-in-la-wildfires-exclusive-11686479/ |title= Ed Harris on Losing House in L.A. Wildfires: 'The Past Is Gone in a Certain Way' (Exclusive)
 |journal=[[People.com]] |date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |page=1}}</ref>

=== Beliefs and style === 
On March 21, 1999, during the [[71st Academy Awards]], Harris along with Amy Madigan openly showed disdain for [[Elia Kazan]], who had received an [[Academy Honorary Award]], by staying in their seats and not applauding. This was due to Kazan's testimony before the [[House Un-American Activities Committee]] in 1952, naming his friends from the [[Group Theatre (New York City)|Group Theatre]] as communists resulting in their being [[Hollywood blacklist|blacklisted]], for which Kazan had never given an apology.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldstein |first1=Patrick |title=Many Refuse to Clap as Kazan Receives Oscar |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-22-mn-19738-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 22, 1999}}</ref>

On March 20, 2012, the [[Screen Actors Guild]] (SAG) and the [[American Federation of Television and Radio Artists]] (AFTRA) merged to form a new union, [[SAG-AFTRA]]. Harris, along with others including [[Edward Asner]], [[Martin Sheen]], [[Valerie Harper]], [[Michael Bell (actor)|Michael Bell]], and [[Wendy Schaal]], were opposed to the merger and sued SAG President [[Ken Howard]] and several SAG Vice Presidents, seeking to have the merger undone. They were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/sag-aftra-anti-merger-lawsuit-drops-demand-295573 |title=SAG/AFTRA Anti Merger Lawsuit Drops Demands |journal=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Jonathan |last=Handel |date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed on May 22, 2012.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/dismissal-formalized-sag-aftra-merger-327775 |title=Dismissal Formalized in SAG-AFTRA Merger Lawsuit |journal=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Jonathan |last=Handel |date=May 22, 2012 |access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref> On March 30, 2012, the [[Screen Actors Guild]] (SAG) and the [[American Federation of Television and Radio Artists]] (AFTRA) completed a merger of equals forming a new union [[SAG-AFTRA]]. As a result of this merger, a group of actors including Harris, fellow voice actors [[Michael Bell (actor)|Michael Bell]], [[Clancy Brown]], [[Wendy Schaal]], her former stepmother [[Valerie Harper]], and other actors including former SAG President [[Edward Asner]], [[Martin Sheen]], and [[Nancy Sinatra]] immediately sued against the current SAG President [[Ken Howard]] and several SAG Vice Presidents to overturn the merger and separate the (now merged) two unions because of their claims that the election was improper.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/sag-aftra-anti-merger-lawsuit-drops-demand-295573| work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]| title=SAG/AFTRA Anti Merger Lawsuit Drops Demands| first= Jonathan| last=Handel| date=February 27, 2012}}</ref> The plaintiffs dropped their lawsuit several months later.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-may-16-la-et-ct-sag-merger-20120516-story.html| website=The New York Times| last=Verrier| first=Richard| title=SAG-AFTRA merger opponents to drop lawsuit}}</ref>

Harris has a reputation for being serious on the film set. He told a journalist in 2006, "I don't like bullshittin'&nbsp;... so, I guess that comes across as serious."<ref name=nymag/> On March 13, 2015, he was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]], located at 6712 [[Hollywood Boulevard]], for his work in motion pictures.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.variety.com/2015/film/spotlight/ed-harris-hollywood-walk-of-fame-run-all-night-1201450984/ |title=Ed Harris Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Malina |last=Saval |date=March 13, 2015 |access-date=November 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walkoffame.com/ed-harris |title=Ed Harris |website=[[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] |access-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref> Harris received an honorary degree from [[Muhlenberg College]] on May 17, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.muhlenberg.edu/latestnews/name,332409,en.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503005854/http://muhlenberg.edu/latestnews/name,332409,en.html |archive-date=May 3, 2015 |title=Dr. Ronald Crutcher, national leader in higher education, announced as Commencement Speaker |website=[[Muhlenberg College]] |date=April 29, 2015}}</ref>

''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine once described Harris as "the thinking woman's sex symbol".<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://nymag.com/arts/theater/profiles/21970/index1.html |title='Wrecks' Actor Ed Harris Is Not a Control Freak |journal=[[NY Mag]] |date=September 28, 2006 |access-date=July 8, 2017 |page=2}}</ref>

Harris is a Christian.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yAJ1rihjZw</ref>

==Acting credits and accolades==
{{main|Ed Harris filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Ed Harris}}

Harris has received numerous accolades including two [[Screen Actors Guild Awards]] and two [[Golden Globe Awards]]. He has also received nominations for four [[Academy Awards]], two [[BAFTA Awards]], three [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] and a [[Tony Award]].

Harris has been recognized by the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] for the following performances:
* [[68th Academy Awards]]: [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Actor in a Supporting Role]], nomination, for ''[[Apollo 13 (film)|Apollo 13]]'' (1995)
* [[71st Academy Awards]]: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, nomination, for ''[[The Truman Show]]'' (1998)
* [[73rd Academy Awards]]: [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor in a Leading Role]], nomination, for ''[[Pollock (film)|Pollock]]'' (2000)
* [[75th Academy Awards]]: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, nomination, for ''[[The Hours (film)|The Hours]]'' (2002)

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* [https://www.spectra.theater/explore/artist/4f1304ac-a4c6-4687-9873-cbb206ef555c Ed Harris] at the [[Internet Off-Broadway Database]]

{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Ed Harris
|list =
{{Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{DramaDesk PlayOutstandingActor 1975-2000}}
{{GoldenGlobeBestSuppActorMotionPicture 1981-2000}}
{{GoldenGlobeSupportingActorTV 2010–2029}}
{{Kirk Douglas Award}}
{{National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAward MaleSupportMotionPicture 1994-2000}}
{{TFCA Award for Best Actor}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Harris, Ed}}
[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male screenwriters]]
[[Category:American male stage actors]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:American male voice actors]]
[[Category:American Presbyterians]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe (film) winners]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe (television) winners]]
[[Category:California Institute of the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia Lions football players]]
[[Category:Drama Desk Award winners]]
[[Category:Film directors from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Film producers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Method actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Englewood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tenafly, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Obie Award recipients]]
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners]]
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role Screen Actors Guild Award winners]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Tenafly High School alumni]]
[[Category:Theatre World Award winners]]
[[Category:University of Oklahoma alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia College, Columbia University alumni]]
[[Category:Writers from Englewood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Writers from Tenafly, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Male actors from Malibu, California]]
[[Category:Writers from Malibu, California]]
[[Category:Mass media people from Malibu, California]]