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Julie Harris

Birth Place: Grosse Point Park, MI, USA

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BIO

Julie Harris was an American actress known for her captivating performances on stage and screen. Born on December 2, 1925, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Harris began her acting career at the young age of 14 when she enrolled at the Yale Drama School.


Harris made her Broadway debut in 1945 in the play "It's a Gift" and went on to become one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. She received five Tony Awards throughout her career, including one for her performance in "I Am a Camera" in 1952 and another for "The Lark" in 1956. She also earned Tony nominations for her roles in "The Member of the Wedding," "Little Moon of Alban," and "Skyscraper."
Harris was known for her ability to bring complex characters to life on stage, and her performances were often praised for their emotional depth and authenticity. She was particularly adept at portraying troubled or conflicted women, and her performances in plays like "The Belle of Amherst" and "The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" are still remembered as some of the most powerful in Broadway history.
In addition to her work on stage, Harris also had a successful career in film and television. She made her film debut in 1952 in "The Member of the Wedding" and went on to appear in several other movies, including "East of Eden" and "Requiem for a Heavyweight." She also had a recurring role on the hit TV series "Knots Landing" in the 1980s.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Harris always considered the stage to be her true home. She continued to perform on Broadway well into her 70s, and her final performance was in the play "The Gin Game" in 1997.
Harris passed away on August 24, 2013, at the age of 87. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, and her contributions to the world of theater will never be forgotten.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Gin Game
[Broadway]
1997
Fonsia Dorsey
The Glass Menagerie
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 1994
The Mother
Lucifer's Child
[Broadway]
1991
Isak Dinesen, Baroness Karen Blixen
Mixed Couples
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Clarice
Break a Leg
[Broadway]
1979
Gertie Kessel
The Belle of Amherst
[Broadway]
1976
Austin Dickinson
Mary Lyon
Buffy
Charles Wadsworth
Susan Gilbert Dickinson
Edward Dickinson
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson
Emily Norcross Dickinson
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
James Francis Billings
Lavinia Dickinson
Uriah Crowell
Jennie Hitchcock
Maggie Maher
Abby Wood
James Francis Billings
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Emily Norcross Dickinson
Uriah Crowell
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson
Abby Wood
Edward Dickinson
Lavinia Dickinson
Susan Gilbert Dickinson
Maggie Maher
Mary Lyon
Charles Wadsworth
Jennie Hitchcock
Buffy
Austin Dickinson
In Praise of Love
[Broadway]
1974
Lydia Cruttwell
The au Pair Man
[Broadway]
1973
Mrs. Rogers
The Last of Mrs. Lincoln
[Broadway]
1972
Mary Lincoln
Voices
[Broadway]
1972
Claire
And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little
[Broadway]
1971
Anna Reardon
Forty Carats
[Broadway]
1968
Ann Stanley
Skyscraper
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Georgina
Ready When You Are, C.B.!
[Broadway]
1964
Annie
Marathon '33
[Broadway]
1963
June
A Shot in the Dark
[Broadway]
1961
Josefa Lantenay
Little Moon of Alban
[Broadway]
1960
Brigid Mary Mangan
The Warm Peninsula
[Broadway]
1959
Ruth Arnold
The Country Wife
[Broadway]
1957
Mrs. Margery Pinchwife
The Lark
[Broadway]
1955
Joan
Mademoiselle Colombe
[Broadway]
1954
Colombe
I Am a Camera
[Broadway]
1951
Sally Bowles
The Member of the Wedding
[Broadway]
1950
Frankie Addams
Montserrat
[Broadway]
1949
Felisa
Magnolia Alley
[Broadway]
1949
Angel Tuttle
The Young and Fair
[Broadway]
1948
Nancy Gear
Sundown Beach
[Broadway]
1948
Ida Mae
Macbeth
[Broadway]
1948
Witch
Alice in Wonderland
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1947
White Rabbit (Albania)
(Alternate)
Oedipus Rex
[Broadway]
1946
Ensemble
King Henry IV, Part II
[Broadway]
1946
Performer
It's a Gift
[Broadway]
1945
Atlanta
Performer
Atlanta

Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Julie Harris

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, The Gin Game


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - The American Express Tribute

Julie Harris


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Julie HarrisLettice & Lovage

Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Julie HarrisLucifer's Child

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Actress - Play

Julie HarrisLucifer's Child

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, Lucifer's Child

Helen Hayes Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Julie HarrisDriving Miss Daisy


winner
Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, The Belle of Amherst

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Unique Theatrical Experience

Julie Harris, The Belle of Amherst

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris , The Au Pair Man


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

Julie Harris, The Last of Mrs. Lincoln


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Oustanding Actress in a Play

Julie Harris, The Last of Mrs. Lincoln


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris , The Last of Mrs. Lincoln


winner
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, Forty Carats

Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Julie Harris, Skyscraper

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, Marathon '33


winner
Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, The Lark


winner
Drama League Awards - 1952 - Distinguished Performance Award

Julie Harris


winner
Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Julie Harris, I Am a Camera


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1949 - Performance

Julie Harris, Sundown Beach

Videos

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News


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How Common Are Foreign Language Plays on Broadway? A Look at Translation Trends
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Cast Set For WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU HURTS YOU LONGER at The Colony Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025

The Colony Theatre has announced casting for the second installment of its Scripts & Sips playreading series, What Doesn't Kill You Hurts You Longer by Steve Apostolina, directed by 10-time Artios Award-winner Michael Donovan.
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WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU HURTS YOU LONGER Reading Comes to the Colony Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2025

The Colony Theatre in Burbank has announced the second installment of its Scripts & Sips playreading series, What Doesn't Kill You Hurts You Longer by Steve Apostolina, directed by 10-time Artios Award-winner Michael Donovan.
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BREAKING THE TRUST to Make New York Premiere at Theater For The New City DREAM UP Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2025

Theater for the New City’s Dream Up Festival will present the New York premiere of Bill Rogers’ Breaking the Trust September 2–7, directed by Gerald vanHeerden. The dark comedy follows four sisters whose family secrets erupt after their brother’s unexpected $4 million estate divides them.
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THE ACTOR'S NIGHTMARE and OTHER 10-MINUTE PLAYS to be Presented at Savage Wonder
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025

Savage Wonder will continue its unpredictable and intimate programming with The Actor's Nightmare and Other 10-Minute Plays—featuring Christopher Durang's classic one-act The Actor's Nightmare and more.
Review: THE GLASS MENAGERIE Makes New Memories at Gloucester Stage Photo
Review: THE GLASS MENAGERIE Makes New Memories at Gloucester Stage
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 24, 2025

Tennessee Williams found fame with 1944’s “The Glass Menagerie,” which is considered to be one of the gifted playwright’s most notable works along with “A Streetcar Named Desire, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “Sweet Bird of Youth.” That status is being affirmed once again by the magnificent production of the drama now at Gloucester Stage through June 28.
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Recap the 2025 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 8, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards have arrived at last! BroadwayWorld has the full transcripts of all the memorable acceptance speeches from the 2025 Tony Awards.
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The 42nd Annual Elliot Norton Awards Winner Revealed
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The 42nd Annual Elliot Norton Awards ceremony was held at The Huntington Theatre in Boston. See the full list of winners here and learn more about the Awards!
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Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from Tuesday's big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
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Audra McDonald has broken a new Tony record, becoming the most-nominated performer in Broadway history. Her nomination as the iconic Mama Rose in the latest production of Gypsy marks the 11th for the performer, following her 2023 nomination for Ohio State Murders. 
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by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025

The Beverly Hills Theatre Guild's Julie Harris Playwriting Competition is accepting applications for its annual playwriting competition. This prestigious competition is in its 48th year and attracts interest from around the world.
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by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025

The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 18, 2025

Carl and Jennifer Pasbjerg will present a private industry reading of FOCUS, a new play by Alex Webb, which will be directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Jason Alexander. Learn more!
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by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
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Review: #CHARLOTTESVILLE at Keegan Theatre
by David Friscic - Mar 25, 2025

When I walked into the Keegan Theatre Saturday evening to see the galvanizing play #Charlottesville, I noticed two changes since I reviewed this play at the Capital Fringe Festival one year and eight months ago: this play is no longer about one portentous and isolated incident but, rather, this play is a succinct encapsulation of an incident that is a mirror of what is going on in society at the present time. 
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The Tony Award-winning, stage and screen actress Betty Buckley will make her return to Joe’s Pub in New York City for six performances in May. Learn more about how to get tickets!
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Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater Announces Season Of World Premiere Productions.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 15, 2025

Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater has announced its 2025 Summer Theater Season, featuring three world-premiere productions on The Julie Harris Stage.
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Betty Buckley Will Return to Joe's Pub in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Julie Harris been in?

Julie Harris has appeared on Broadway in 33 shows.

How many West End shows has Julie Harris been in?

Julie Harris has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Julie Harris been nominated for?

Julie Harris has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards. She was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for "The Gin Game" and "Lucifer's Child" at the Tony Awards. Additionally, she received nominations for The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production for "Lettice & Lovage," "Lucifer's Child," and "Driving Miss Daisy" at the Helen Hayes Awards. Harris was also nominated for Best Actress - Play for "Lucifer's Child" at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. She received nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for "The Belle of Amherst," "The Au Pair Man," "The Last of Mrs. Lincoln," "Forty Carats," "Marathon '33," and "The Lark" at the Tony Awards. She won the Unique Theatrical Experience award for "The Belle of Amherst" at the Drama Desk Awards. Harris also received the Outstanding Performance award for "The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" at the Drama Desk Awards and the Oustanding Actress in a Play award for the same production at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Furthermore, she received the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards. Lastly, Harris was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for "I Am a Camera" and received a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Sundown Beach."

What awards has Julie Harris won?

Julie Harris has won several awards throughout her career. She received the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards. She also received the American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for her role in Lettice & Lovage. Harris won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Tony Award for her performance in The Belle of Amherst. She also received the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for The Last of Mrs. Lincoln. Furthermore, she won the Outstanding Actress in a Play award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Harris won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Tony Award for The Last of Mrs. Lincoln. She also won the same award for Forty Carats and The Lark. She received the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards. Additionally, she won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Tony Award for I Am a Camera. Finally, Harris received the Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for Sundown Beach. These are the various awards that Julie Harris has won throughout her illustrious career.

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