Paul Harris

Paul Harris was an African American actor with a commanding presence. He had roles in films such as All Night Long, Across 110th Street, The Slams , Truck Turner and Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes aka Jive Turkey.

Harris at one time was engaged to Danish model Maud Berthelsen, who later became an actress, who was nominated for best supporting actress in the film Epilogue.

Harris died of cancer in Los Angeles, California on the 25th of August, 1985. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.

Stage

Harris was a singer, stage, film and television actor. He had appeared on Broadway and had been part of international theater tours. In 1949, he played the part of the doorman in the musical comedy Show Boat which was playing at Los Angeles's Greek Theater. The following month he was in the musical Annie, Get Your Gun as Major Domo.

Film and television

In the late 1950s, looking for work, he left the United States for Europe. He came to Paris with the cast of Free and Easy. In England he secured a starring role in the 1962 film All Night Long. It in he played the part of trumpet player Aurelius Rex in an Othello-like role who becomes victim of the devious and sinister motivated actions by his drummer Johnny Cousin, played by Patrick McGoohan. He is almost driven into an act of violence against his partner, singer Delia, played by Marti Stevens. In 1966, he had a part in an episode of The Baron which starred Steve Forrest, episode: There's Someone Close Behind You as Wayne. In 1974, he had a role in the film Truck Turner that starred Isaac Hayes. He played the part of a mean and ruthless pimp, Gator Johnson. In 1974, Harris got a leading role as Pasha in the low-budget film Jive Turkey aka Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes. The film also starred Frank deKova.