Jonathan Harris
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1914-11-06
    • Born Place: The Bronx, New York, USA
  • Deathday:

    2002-11-03

  • Also Known As:

    Jonathan Smith, Jonathan Daniel Charasuchin, جاناتان هریس

Jonathan Harris

Jonathan Harris (born Jonathan Daniel Charasuchin; November 6, 1914 – November 3, 2002) was a distinguished American character actor, comedian, and voice artist, whose career spanned over five decades and encompassed more than 500 television and film appearances. Born in The Bronx, New York, Harris initially pursued a degree in pharmacology from Fordham University before succumbing to his passion for acting. He began his stage career in the late 1930s, gaining experience in repertory theater and eventually making his mark on Broadway in plays like "The Heart of a City" (1942) and "A Flag Is Born" (1946), where he acted alongside Marlon Brando.Harris moved to Hollywood in the 1950s, quickly becoming a recognizable face in television with guest roles in numerous popular series. He was particularly adept at portraying pompous, eccentric, or villainous characters, often infusing them with a unique blend of high camp and subtle humor. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the conniving Dr. Zachary Smith in the iconic 1960s science fiction series "Lost in Space," a character he molded from a more serious villain into the flamboyant and often cowardly individual audiences came to love. This role cemented his place in pop culture and showcased his distinctive voice and delivery. Beyond "Lost in Space," Harris also had a memorable role as Bradford Webster in the television adaptation of "The Third Man." In the later stages of his career, he lent his recognizable voice to animated films, most notably as the grumpy and pessimistic P.T. Flea in Pixar's "A Bug's Life" (1998) and a toy store attendant in "Toy Story 2" (1999). Jonathan Harris passed away in 2002 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a unique comedic style.

Person History