Fox Harris was a truly one-of-a-kind character actor, renowned for his captivating performances in a wide range of offbeat, low-budget, and independent films throughout the 1980s. Born on May 3rd, 1936, in Pennsylvania, Harris's acting career was marked by his versatility and ability to bring eccentricity to his roles.
Harris frequently collaborated with acclaimed directors Alex Cox and Fred Olen Ray, and his most iconic performance remains that of J. Frank Parnell, a wacky and brain-fried scientist, in the cult classic Repo Man (1984). In this film, Harris's character drives a 1964 Chevy Malibu, with a trunk full of dead aliens, as he navigates the streets of Los Angeles.
In addition to his memorable role in Repo Man, Harris also delivered standout performances in other notable films, including the science fiction punk black comedy Forbidden World (1982),where he played the role of the sickly Dr. Cal Timbergen. He also appeared as the flaky entomologist Prof. Whately in Deep Space (1988),the batty Colonel Cox in Warlords (1988),and the nutty asylum director Dr. Avol in the bizarre Dr. Caligari (1989).
Outside of his film work, Harris was an active participant in the Los Angeles Theater Group, showcasing his dedication to the craft of acting. Unfortunately, Fox Harris passed away on December 27th, 1988, in Century City, California, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances that continue to entertain audiences to this day.
