Barbara Eve Harris was born in Tobago to Jamaican parents and at the tender age of six, she made the significant move to Canada with her family, marking the beginning of her life in a new country. Raised and educated in Ottawa, the national capital, she graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Arts degree, where she majored in Theatre and Philosophy.
Initially, Harris had planned to pursue a career in law, having received offers of admission and scholarships to law school. However, she decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in the performing arts instead. Although trained primarily as an actor, her professional career began with a dance role in New York City in the Vegas-style review "Follies de Paris".
This initial dance role led to her film debut in the fantasy musical "Night Magic", which was shot in Montreal, Quebec. This first movie role also marked a return to acting, and it paved the way for a thriving film and television career that has spanned over 25 years to date. Harris has received several regional Canadian awards for her acting and has been nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Actress In A Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for her role as Wanda Gibbs in the television series "Side Effects".
In 1998, Harris relocated to Los Angeles, a move that allowed her to expand her horizons and take on new challenges. Her numerous starring roles have spanned a wide range of genres and characters, from a tough U.S. Army Ranger Drill Instructor in "Dead Men Can't Dance" to a grief-stricken widow and mother in "In His Father's Shoes".
Throughout her career, Harris has appeared in over 9 theatrical features, 20 television features, and more than 100 episodic television appearances. Her credits include a wide range of projects, including the hit television series "Prison Break", where she played the role of FBI Agent Felicia Lang in the final three seasons.
Aside from filming locations within North America, Harris has also worked in the Philippines, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Bogotá, Colombia, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different environments and cultures.
