Rolf Harris - TV Presenters, Life Achievements and Family
Home › Australian › Rolf HarrisMarch 30, 1930406 viewsRolf Harris's Personal Details
Rolf Harris is an Australian artiste, famous for his songs, television shows, and paintings
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthday | March 30, 1930 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Famous | Media Personalities, TV Presenters, Singers, Entertainers |
| Spouses | Alwen Hughes |
| Childrens | Bindi Harris |
| Universities |
|
| Birth Place | Bassendean |
| Height | 183 |
| Gender | Male |
| Father | Cromwell Harris |
| Mother | Agnes Margaret Robbins Harris |
| Net Worth | $19 million as of May 10,2017 |
| Sun Sign | Aries |
| Born in | Bassendean |
| Famous as | Entertainer |
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Rolf Harris's photo
Who is Rolf Harris?
Rolf Harris is an Australian entertainer, who is most famous for his songs, 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport', and 'Two Little Boys'. Not only is this man a singer, but has also written songs, and presented television shows on 'BBC' and 'ITV'. His first assignment was with 'BBC' for a show called 'Jigsaw', after which he went on to host other programmes, including 'The Rolf Harris Show', and 'Animal Hospital', amongst others. He has also showcased his artistic calibre on several shows, and has exhibited his paintings at London's 'Portland Gallery'. He has collaborated with other musicians like Kate Bush and Steve Lima, to record singles and provide vocals for their albums. He has appeared in several television shows like 'Background for Murder', 'Full Moon', 'The Fruit Cases', and 'Christmas Night with the Stars'. This entertainer has also been cast in many British and Australian movies, including 'Run for Your Wife', 'Crash Drive', 'The Little Convict', and 'Web of Suspicion'. Recently, he has been convicted on charges of sexually abusing twelve girls over a period of eighteen years. Since then, he has been stripped of all honours that were conferred upon him for his contribution to arts and the society.
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Childhood & Early Life
Rolf Harris was born to Cromwell and Agnes Margaret in Perth, Australia, on March 30, 1930, and was raised in the Bassendean suburb.
He completed his elementary education from the 'Perth Modern School' in the Subiaco suburb. Rolf later pursued his bachelors' degree in Arts from the 'University of Western Australia'. He also trained in education at the 'Claremont Teachers' College', which is presently known by the name 'Edith Cowan University'.
As a young man, he had varied interests, including painting, writing, and swimming. Over a period of 4-5 years, he had won several state swimming championships in Western Australia.
In 1952, he settled down in England, and began studying art at the 'City and Guilds of London Art School'.
Career
Soon, in 1953, Rolf was employed by 'BBC' to feature in a programme called 'Jigsaw', where he would have to paint cartoons for ten minutes for children viewers.
The next year, he made his appearance on the show 'Whirligig', aired on 'BBC'. Harris created the character, 'Willoughby', who would perform his own animated antics on a drawing canvas, till the moment when he was erased.
Apart from 'BBC', the entertainer also appeared on the British television network, ‘ITV’, becoming the only artist to work for both broadcasting companies, by the year 1955.
In 1956, he worked on illusionist Robert Harbin's show, 'Paper magic', as an illustrator. The same year, he also appeared in the movie television feature film, 'Jim Whittington and His Sealion', as the Demon King.
Three years later, television was launched in Australia, and the TV star decided to go back to his hometown, to build his career there. He introduced a new children's programme and a revue, both of which were telecast on a weekly basis.
In 1959, he recorded his debut song, 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport', under the banner of record company, 'EMI Music'. During the same time, he was also hired by Australian network 'TVW-7', for their programme 'Spotlight'. Rolf also appeared in many movies and TV shows, including 'Full Moon', 'Web of Suspicion', and 'Crash Drive'.
The following year, his track, 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport' became a chart-topper in Australia.
In 1963, Harris collaborated with the music group 'Beatles' on their next project. He was also the anchor at their Christmas concerts held at the 'Finsbury Park Astoria' in London.
In the next few years, he worked as the host on shows like 'Hi There and Hey Presto it's Rolf', 'The Rolf Harris Show', and the 'Eurovision Song Contest'. Also, in 1969, 'Two Little Boys', another song composed and performed by this talented entertainer, reached the number one spot.
In 1973, Rolf sang at the 'Sydney Opera House', making it his first ever public performance. Towards the end of the decade, he was cast in an Australian movie, 'The Little Convict', made by filmmaker Yoram Gross. During the same time, he also presented the ‘BBC One’ animated TV show, ‘Rolf’s Cartoon Time’.
During 1989-93, Harris hosted the 'ITV' programme, 'Rolf's Cartoon Club', showcasing his talent in art.
From 1994-2004, the TV presenter served as the anchor on the show 'Animal Hospital', which showcased British veterinarians and their life-saving efforts. Around the same time, he also produced a single 'Fine Day', in collaboration with DJ Steve Lima.
During this period, the entertainer showcased artistic works of his personal favourites, on the programme, 'Rolf on Art'. The show included famous paintings by artists like Paul Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Edgar Degas.
In 2004, this talented artist employed 150 painters to duplicate 'The Hay Wain', a painting by John Constable, and this was aired live on the 'BBC' show, 'Rolf on Art: The Big Event'.
The same year, he helped the NGO 'Children in Need', based in Lapland, to produce a Christmas card. He also hosted a show for 'BBC', called 'Star Portraits with Rolf Harris'.
In 2005, this Australian artist revealed his painting of Queen Elizabeth, to mark her 80th birth anniversary. He also collaborated with singer Kate Bush, to provide musical support on her album, 'Aerial', along with lending his voice to songs from the album, 'An Architect's Dream', and 'The Painter's Link'.
Two years later, the celebrated entertainer released 'Rolf Live!' a DVD of his greatest hits. In 2009, he presented a 'Hat Trick Productions' quiz show titled, 'Have I Got News for You'. The following year, he narrated 'Penguin Island', a documentary based on the life of penguins.
In 2010, Harris played at the 40th anniversary of the 'Glastonbury Festival', and also performed at the 'Bestival’ music fair the same year. He followed this with an appearance at the 'Wickham Festival', in UK the next year.
Rolf featured on 'The Magicians', a show aired in 2011, on 'BBC One', with Lenny Henry as the presenter. He was also a guest for one episode of the show, 'Piers Morgan's Life Stories'.
In 2011, he appeared in the television series, 'The Fruit Cases', in the role of Captain Straw. The following year, he was cast in the British film, 'Run for Your Wife', directed by Ray Cooney and John Luton. He also played at the 'Diamond Jubilee Concert', held near Buckingham Palace, London.
Major Works
Harris, a singer, songwriter, TV anchor, and an artist, is most famous for his musical career, wherein he has produced a total of 48 singles and 32 albums. His best singles are 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport', and 'Two Little Boys', both of which have been record-breaking hits in the UK, Australia, and Ireland.
Awards & Achievements
In 1968, the UK government made Harris a 'Member of the Order of the British Empire'. Nine years later, he became an 'Officer of the Order of the British Empire'
The Australian government declared this renowned artiste a 'Member of the Order of Australia' in 1989.
In 2001, he received the 'Centenary Medal', for his outstanding contribution to society and the field of arts.
The government of the United Kingdom gave him the title of 'Commander of the Order of the British Empire', in 2006.
From 2007-10, Harris was awarded honorary doctorates by 'Liverpool Hope University', and 'University of East London'. He also became a member of the 'ARIA Hall of Fame', and a recipient of the 'BAFTA Fellowship', during the same time.
During 2014-15, all these decorations have been revoked, following the artiste's arrest and conviction on charges of sexual assault.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1958, this Australian entertainer got married to Alwen Hughes, and the couple have a daughter, Bindi, named after the Australian town, Bindi Bindi.
Harris was arrested in 2013, as a tactic of the ‘Operation Yewtree’, an investigation run by the UK Police to take sexual offenders to task. Though he was granted bail, he has been arrested on several occasions, the count of allegations against him, growing each time.
On June 30, 2014, Rolf Harris was found guilty of sexual abuse of twelve girls, aged between eight and nineteen. He was sentenced to prison, not just for these accusations, but also for viewing child pornographic images.
On 16 November 2017, his conviction on the one charge that he had indecently assaulted an eight-year-old girl in Portsmouth in 1969 was overturned. But the court dismissed his appeal to challenge the other eleven convictions.
Net Worth
This celebrity has an estimated net worth of 19 million dollars, accumulated from years of hosting television shows, performing at music concerts, and showcase his art. This wealth however, is fast-depleting, owing to the sexual assault charges he has been convicted of.
Trivia
‘A Lifetime in Paint’, aired in 2007, on ‘BBC One’, is a documentary based on this famous Australian entertainer’s works of art.
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Rolf Harris biography timelines
- // 30th Mar 1930Rolf Harris was born to Cromwell and Agnes Margaret in Perth, Australia, on March 30, 1930, and was raised in the Bassendean suburb.
- // 1952In 1952, he settled down in England, and began studying art at the 'City and Guilds of London Art School'.
- // 1953Soon, in 1953, Rolf was employed by 'BBC' to feature in a programme called 'Jigsaw', where he would have to paint cartoons for ten minutes for children viewers.
- // 1955Apart from 'BBC', the entertainer also appeared on the British television network, ‘ITV’, becoming the only artist to work for both broadcasting companies, by the year 1955.
- // 1956In 1956, he worked on illusionist Robert Harbin's show, 'Paper magic', as an illustrator. The same year, he also appeared in the movie television feature film, 'Jim Whittington and His Sealion', as the Demon King.
- // 1958In 1958, this Australian entertainer got married to Alwen Hughes, and the couple have a daughter, Bindi, named after the Australian town, Bindi Bindi.
- // 1959In 1959, he recorded his debut song, 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport', under the banner of record company, 'EMI Music'. During the same time, he was also hired by Australian network 'TVW-7', for their programme 'Spotlight'. Rolf also appeared in many movies and TV shows, including 'Full Moon', 'Web of Suspicion', and 'Crash Drive'.
- // 1963In 1963, Harris collaborated with the music group 'Beatles' on their next project. He was also the anchor at their Christmas concerts held at the 'Finsbury Park Astoria' in London.
- // 1968In 1968, the UK government made Harris a 'Member of the Order of the British Empire'. Nine years later, he became an 'Officer of the Order of the British Empire'
- // 1969In the next few years, he worked as the host on shows like 'Hi There and Hey Presto it's Rolf', 'The Rolf Harris Show', and the 'Eurovision Song Contest'. Also, in 1969, 'Two Little Boys', another song composed and performed by this talented entertainer, reached the number one spot.
- // 1973In 1973, Rolf sang at the 'Sydney Opera House', making it his first ever public performance. Towards the end of the decade, he was cast in an Australian movie, 'The Little Convict', made by filmmaker Yoram Gross. During the same time, he also presented the ‘BBC One’ animated TV show, ‘Rolf’s Cartoon Time’.
- // 1989 To 1993During 1989-93, Harris hosted the 'ITV' programme, 'Rolf's Cartoon Club', showcasing his talent in art.
- // 1989The Australian government declared this renowned artiste a 'Member of the Order of Australia' in 1989.
- // 1994 To 2004From 1994-2004, the TV presenter served as the anchor on the show 'Animal Hospital', which showcased British veterinarians and their life-saving efforts. Around the same time, he also produced a single 'Fine Day', in collaboration with DJ Steve Lima.
- // 2001In 2001, he received the 'Centenary Medal', for his outstanding contribution to society and the field of arts.
- // 2004In 2004, this talented artist employed 150 painters to duplicate 'The Hay Wain', a painting by John Constable, and this was aired live on the 'BBC' show, 'Rolf on Art: The Big Event'.
- // 2005In 2005, this Australian artist revealed his painting of Queen Elizabeth, to mark her 80th birth anniversary. He also collaborated with singer Kate Bush, to provide musical support on her album, 'Aerial', along with lending his voice to songs from the album, 'An Architect's Dream', and 'The Painter's Link'.
- // 2006The government of the United Kingdom gave him the title of 'Commander of the Order of the British Empire', in 2006.
- // 2007 To 2010From 2007-10, Harris was awarded honorary doctorates by 'Liverpool Hope University', and 'University of East London'. He also became a member of the 'ARIA Hall of Fame', and a recipient of the 'BAFTA Fellowship', during the same time.
- // 2007‘A Lifetime in Paint’, aired in 2007, on ‘BBC One’, is a documentary based on this famous Australian entertainer’s works of art.
- // 2009Two years later, the celebrated entertainer released 'Rolf Live!' a DVD of his greatest hits. In 2009, he presented a 'Hat Trick Productions' quiz show titled, 'Have I Got News for You'. The following year, he narrated 'Penguin Island', a documentary based on the life of penguins.
- // 2010In 2010, Harris played at the 40th anniversary of the 'Glastonbury Festival', and also performed at the 'Bestival’ music fair the same year. He followed this with an appearance at the 'Wickham Festival', in UK the next year.
- // 2011Rolf featured on 'The Magicians', a show aired in 2011, on 'BBC One', with Lenny Henry as the presenter. He was also a guest for one episode of the show, 'Piers Morgan's Life Stories'.
- // 2011In 2011, he appeared in the television series, 'The Fruit Cases', in the role of Captain Straw. The following year, he was cast in the British film, 'Run for Your Wife', directed by Ray Cooney and John Luton. He also played at the 'Diamond Jubilee Concert', held near Buckingham Palace, London.
- // 2013Harris was arrested in 2013, as a tactic of the ‘Operation Yewtree’, an investigation run by the UK Police to take sexual offenders to task. Though he was granted bail, he has been arrested on several occasions, the count of allegations against him, growing each time.
- // 2014 To 2015During 2014-15, all these decorations have been revoked, following the artiste's arrest and conviction on charges of sexual assault.
- // 30th Jun 2014On June 30, 2014, Rolf Harris was found guilty of sexual abuse of twelve girls, aged between eight and nineteen. He was sentenced to prison, not just for these accusations, but also for viewing child pornographic images.
- // 16th Nov 2017On 16 November 2017, his conviction on the one charge that he had indecently assaulted an eight-year-old girl in Portsmouth in 1969 was overturned. But the court dismissed his appeal to challenge the other eleven convictions.
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Rolf Harris's FAQ
What is Rolf Harris birthday?
Rolf Harris was born at 1930-03-30
Where is Rolf Harris's birth place?
Rolf Harris was born in Bassendean
What is Rolf Harris nationalities?
Rolf Harris's nationalities is Australian
Who is Rolf Harris spouses?
Rolf Harris's spouses is Alwen Hughes
Who is Rolf Harris childrens?
Rolf Harris's childrens is Bindi Harris
What was Rolf Harris universities?
Rolf Harris studied at University of Western Australia, City and Guilds of London Art School, Perth Modern School, City and Guilds of London Institute
How tall is Rolf Harris?
Rolf Harris's height is 183
Who is Rolf Harris's father?
Rolf Harris's father is Cromwell Harris
Who is Rolf Harris's mother?
Rolf Harris's mother is Agnes Margaret Robbins Harris
What is Rolf Harris's sun sign?
Rolf Harris is Aries
How famous is Rolf Harris?
Rolf Harris is famouse as Entertainer