Harris Franklin Berger was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, in the 1920s, alongside his older brother Arthur. Their father, Jack, was an optometrist who had grown up on the lower East Side of Manhattan, while their mother, Millie, was a citizen of the United States, born in Czechoslovakia, and of Bohemian descent.
As a child, Harris showcased his remarkable singing voice and began his career in show business on Horn and Hardart Children's Hour, a popular radio program for youngsters. This early start laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Harris's acting career spanned numerous movies and serials, and he also worked in vaudeville alongside fellow Little Tough Guy, Hal E. Chester, often using the stage name Steve Harris. When vaudeville declined and movie opportunities dwindled, Harris turned to his family's profession, working as an optician in his father's office, grinding lenses. His brother Arthur, who also worked in the same office, went on to become an optometrist. Harris later transitioned into the world of menswear, working at Roger Kent's Men's Clothing in Manhattan.
Harris met his future wife, Enid Greenfield, at a Purim dance in the Bronx and they married in 1952. The couple had two sons, Marc in 1956 and Bruce in 1960. In 1968, they relocated to Southern California, settling into a house in Simi Valley, where Harris resided until his passing from bladder cancer in 1983.
While Harris Berger may have left the world of show business, it is evident that the entertainment industry never truly left him. He often regaled his sons with stories of his experiences in Hollywood and vaudeville, frequently breaking into song, cracking jokes, and leaving a lasting impression on those around him. Unlike his on-screen persona, Harris was a kind, compassionate individual who never got into trouble with the law and prioritized family above all else.
