Rex Harrison

Date of Birth: March 5, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 2, 1990

Biography

Sir Reginald Carey Harrison, better known as Rex Harrison, was an iconic English actor renowned for his sophisticated charm and distinctive voice. Born on March 5, 1908, in Huyton, Lancashire (now part of Merseyside), England, Harrison enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. He began his acting journey in theater during the 1920s, eventually making a seamless transition to film in the 1930s. Harrison achieved international fame for his role as Professor Henry Higgins in the stage and film adaptations of “My Fair Lady,” winning both a Tony Award and an Academy Award for his performance. His other notable film credits include “Anna and the King of Siam,” “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” “Cleopatra,” and “Doctor Dolittle.” Renowned for his wit and elegance, Rex Harrison left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. He was knighted in 1989 in recognition of his contributions to the performing arts. Harrison passed away on June 2, 1990, but his legacy as one of the great actors of the 20th century endures.

5 Interesting Facts about Rex Harrison

1. Rex Harrison was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1989, just a year before his death.

2. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “My Fair Lady” (1964).

3. Harrison was married six times, with his personal life often making headlines.

4. He was known for his distinctive speaking style, which was immortalized in his “talk-singing” technique in “My Fair Lady.”

5. Harrison was an accomplished stage actor, winning two Tony Awards for his performances in “My Fair Lady” and “Anne of the Thousand Days.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rex Harrison

1. “Exhilaration is that feeling you get just after a great idea hits you, and just before you realize what’s wrong with it.”

2. “There is nothing worse than an insincere smile.”

3. “Acting is a nice childish profession – pretending you’re someone else and, at the same time, selling yourself.”

4. “To pretend to be something you are not is to waste the person you are.”

5. “All the best women are married. All the handsome men are engaged. The rich girls are poor, and the poor girls are rich.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rex Harrison’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death.

Children

Rex Harrison had two sons. His first son, Noel Harrison, born from his marriage to Collette Thomas, was an accomplished singer and actor, best known for his hit single “The Windmills of Your Mind.” His second son, Carey Harrison, from his marriage to actress Lilli Palmer, is a distinguished novelist and playwright.