Robin Harris
Robin Harris was born on this date in 1953. He was a Black comedian and actor.
He was born in Chicago, where his father was a welder and his mother a factory seamstress. In 1961, the family moved to Los Angeles, where he attended Manual Arts High School. A track star, Harris got a scholarship and attended Ottawa University in Kansas. During this time, Harris began to hone his craft of comedy. He worked for Hughes Aircraft, a rental car company, and Security Pacific Bank to pay his bills. In 1980, he debuted at Los Angeles’ Comedy Store with little response.
1985 was his year. As the master of ceremonies at the Comedy Act Theater, his “old school” brand of humor began to gain him a mainstream following. A large-eyed stand-up churlish brand of humor and quick put-downs were his trademarks. Harris made a promising feature debut playing a smart-ass bartender in "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka" (1988). A very sensitive and professional man, Harris continued with Spike Lee’s "Do The Right Thing" (1989), where he stood out. As Sweet Dick Willie, Harris served as part of the neighborhood "Greek chorus" that commented on the events of an increasingly tense day.
From there, Harris had a perfect platform as Pop, the no-nonsense, quick-witted father of Kid in "House Party" (1990). He followed up later that year with a small turn as a jazz club MC in Lee's "Mo Better Blues."
Early in 1990, Harris kept a very tight schedule, demanding much travel and long hours. He had respiratory problems and often nodded off during the day. Arriving in his hometown for an appearance at the Chicago Regal Theater, he failed to meet friends the day after. His mother found him dead at his hotel on March 18, 1990.
