Born in the state of Texas, Harriet Sansom Harris embarked on a journey in the world of acting at a young age. At the tender age of seventeen, Harris was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, renowned for its esteemed drama program. Upon graduating from this highly respected institution, Harris joined The Acting Company, a repertory group formed by the inaugural alumni of John Houseman's Drama Division of The Juilliard School. For a period of three years, Harris was an integral part of the Company, honing her craft and developing her skills as a professional actress.
After her tenure with The Acting Company, Harris transitioned to working primarily in regional theater, which ultimately led to a successful career on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Her life took a significant turn after she appeared as the sole female in the original cast of "Jeffrey", Paul Rudnick's groundbreaking Off-Broadway hit that explored the themes of love and relationships in the context of the AIDS epidemic. This role had a profound impact on Harris's career, as it led to guest appearances on popular television series, including the critically acclaimed "Frasier" in 1993. In this show, Harris brought to life the unforgettable character of "Bebe Glazer", a cutthroat, neurotic, and chain-smoking agent who left a lasting impression on audiences.
In addition to her work on "Frasier", Harris also received widespread critical acclaim for her portrayal of "Vivian Buchanan" on CBS's "The 5 Mrs. Buchanans" in 1994. Today, Harris calls New York her home, but frequently travels to California for film and television appearances, further solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress.