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Rolf Victor Harris passed away on May 10, 2023 at the age of 93. He is an Australian entertainer known for his diverse career as a musician, painter, television personality and actor. Born on March 30, 1930 in Perth, Australia, he rose to fame in the United Kingdom, becoming a household name through appearances on the BBC and ITV. When commercial television was launched in the UK in 1955, he was the only artist working on both networks.
Harris is known for his unique musical style, often incorporating non-traditional instruments such as the didgeridoo and fiddle. He also invented the wobble board, which contributed to his unique sound. Some of his best-known works include the song “Tie me a kangaroo, exercise” and his cover of Led Zeppelin’s “stairway to heaven“. In addition to music and television, Harris was an accomplished painter, to replicate John Constable’s “hayride” Live on the BBC with 150 painters.
However, Harris’ legacy was tarnished after he was convicted in 2014 of molesting four underage girls, crimes that occurred from the 1960s to the 1980s. He was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, a conviction that effectively ended his career and public life.
After his release, Harris lived in isolation until his death, his fall from grace marked by the withdrawal of several honours, including the titles of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and an Officer of the Order of Australia, in stark contrast to the public admiration for him contrast. Ever enjoyed it.
Australian musician and television personality
Rolf Harris |
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 Rolf Harris: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki facts and figures | |
| Real name: | Rolf Victor Harris |
| stage name: | Rolf Harris |
| born: | March 30, 1930 (93 years old) |
| place of birth: | Bassendine, Australia |
| die: | May 10, 2023 (93 years old), Bray, UK |
| Country of Citizenship: | Australia |
| educate: | Bassendine State School, Northam High School, |
| high: | 1.83 meters |
| parents: | Cromwell Harris, Agnes Harris |
| Brothers and sisters: | Katherine Harris |
| spouse: | Alvin Hughes (Alvin Hughes, 1958–married 2023) |
| Girlfriend·Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Bindi Harris |
| Profession: | Musician•TV Personality |
| net worth: | $19 million |
Early life and education
Rolf Harris was born on March 30, 1930 in Bassendine, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. His parents created a nurturing and creative environment. Harris’ family ancestry of Australian descent can be traced back to Cornish and English roots. While details about his religious affiliation are sparse, he was raised in predominantly Christian Australia, although his personal involvement in organized religion was not a focus of his public life.
His father, Cromwell Harris, was a piano tuner and amateur musician who played the organ in the local church, while his mother, Agnes Harris (née Rowe) Binns) was a tailor. Both parents encouraged Rolf’s artistic talents, and he also had a sister, Catherine Harris.
Harris attended Bassendine State School for his primary education and northam high school In high school, he excelled in drawing and showed significant artistic ability. His education was somewhat disrupted by World War II as he was evacuated to the countryside – a common practice in Australia to protect children from potential Japanese air raids.
Harris showed a keen interest in art and music from an early age. He taught himself to play the piano at the age of five, and later the clarinet, violin and oboe. His talent for painting was apparent early on, and he was encouraged by teachers and family to pursue his artistic tendencies.
At the age of 20, Harris moved to England to further develop his artistic career at the Clare Hollander Academy of Art in London. However, his musical talent soon took over, leading him into the entertainment industry, where he became a prominent figure.
Profession
Rolf Harris has a diverse career spanning more than 60 years in the entertainment industry. After moving to England in 1952, he initially aimed to pursue a career in the arts, but his musical talent soon attracted attention. He began performing on radio, and by the mid-1950s he had a hit with the song “Tie me a kangaroo, exercise,” the song became an international success and marked his transition from an aspiring artist to an established musician.
Harris became a regular guest on British television, appearing on various programmes. He was one of the first artists to work on commercial television when ITV launched in 1955. His charisma and versatility allowed him to host popular shows such as “Rolf’s Cartoon Club,” “Rolf Harris: Animal Hospital,” and”Rolf on Art,” he explores various aspects of art and culture.
also”Tie me a kangaroo, exercise,” Harris enjoyed a prolific musical career. He displayed his skills on a variety of instruments, including the didgeridoo, which he introduced to many Western audiences, and the harp, a small electronic instrument. He played with dry pipes Play “stairway to heaven” became an iconic song in 1973, and he also had “two little boys” 1969.
Despite his success in music and television, Harris remained dedicated to his artistic pursuits. He was a respected painter known for replicating famous works on site. One of his most famous public performances took place in 1985, when he recreated John Constable’s “hayride” Join the BBC’s 150 amateur painters for “record breaker” exhibit.
Harris also explored acting, starring in “quick lady” (1962) with James Robertson Justice on stage performing such songs as “sound of music“. His voiceover work includes narrating children’s stories and voicing characters for animated series.
Over the years, Harris received numerous awards and honours, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1988, becoming an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1968, and later promoted to Commander. In 2006, he was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). CBE). He also received a Gold Badge from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
Harris remained active throughout the ’90s and 2000s, seamlessly blending his art, music, and television skills. His solo exhibitions, music tours and television specials have kept him in the public spotlight. However, his career came to a dramatic halt in 2014 when he was found guilty of indecency, resulting in him being jailed and having his honours revoked. This conviction effectively ended his public career, eclipsing his early contributions to the entertainment world.
personal life
Rolf Harris’s marriage to Alwen Hughes spanned more than sixty years, reflecting an enduring relationship that endured both public acclaim and personal scandal. The couple married on March 1, 1958 and remained together until Harris’ death in 2023.
It was Harris’ only known marriage, marking a lifelong commitment. Alwen Hughes, born December 26, 1931, was his loyal partner, jeweler and sculptor. The pair met at art school in the early 1950s, and Alvin supported Harris throughout his career, including during a difficult period following his 2014 conviction for indecent assault. She died of a stroke on August 15, 2024, at the age of 93, just 15 months after the death of her husband.
The couple had a daughter, Bindi Harris, born on March 10, 1964. Bindi has largely lived a private life, but notably was present during her father’s trial and showed her family’s support.
cause of death
Rolf Harris passed away on May 10, 2023, at the age of 93. His cause of death was reportedly neck cancer and “infirmity of old age,” according to his death certificate. The information was revealed after his death was registered in the UK, indicating he died at his home in Bray, Berkshire.
His life was marred in the years after he was convicted of molesting a girl in 2014, leading to his death after a dramatic decline from public view after a long career in entertainment.
net worth
At the peak of his career, Rolf Harris accumulated a considerable net worth, estimated at around $19 million, before running into legal troubles. These fortunes come from his diverse careers as a musician, television personality, and painter.
Before his conviction, his artwork alone was once worth an estimated $22 million. Harris’ income includes royalties from his music, TV shows and art sales, although the value of his paintings plummeted after he was convicted of obscenity charges in 2014.
Despite the impact of his conviction on his finances and reputation, Harris’ estate will still be worth around $30.8 million (£16 million) when he dies in 2023. These include assets such as a $7 million riverfront mansion in the Berkshires. However, the changing public perception of Harris greatly affected the market value of his art and his overall financial health in his later years.
body of work
Rolf Harris’ work spans a variety of media, including music, television, film and art. The following list highlights some of his most notable contributions:
music
- “Tie me up as a kangaroo, sport” (1960)
- “Sunrise” (1962)
- “Two Little Boys” (1969)
- “Jack of Nails” (1965)
- “Stairway to Heaven” (Zhuqin version, 1973)
- “Strauss, I am a kangaroo” (1987)
- “Astronomy Mouse” (1962)
tv show
- “The Rolf Harris Show” (1967-1973)
- “Rolf’s Cartoon Club” (1982-1983)
- “Rolfe on Art” (1985-1986)
- “Rolf’s Walk” (1993)
- “Rolf Harris: Animal Hospital” (1994-2000)
- “Rolf’s Wonderful World of Animals” (2001)
- “Rolfe’s greatest painting” (2007)
Movie
- “Fast Girl” (1962)
- The Ghost of Greville Lodge (1963)
- “Would Any Gentleman…?” (1957) – part of his early career
books
- “The Greatest Hits of Rolf Harris” (Music Book)
- “Rolfe’s Australia” (1986)
- Various children’s books such as “The King of Bonzingo by Rolf Harris” and “Noah’s Ark by Rolf Harris”
Art
- He held several solo exhibitions to showcase his paintings and works.
- Public art works, including murals and commissioned creations.
- Live painting events, including the famous 1985 recreation of John Constable’s “The Hayride” on “Record Breakers”.
stage
- Roles in musicals such as The Sound of Music (1971, UK tour)
- Appears in theatrical productions, often involving his musical and artistic skills.
dubbing
- Tells children’s stories and provides voices for animated series, although specific titles are less common than his other works.
Advertisements and appearances
- Often appears in television commercials, using his popularity and fame to endorse products.
