Charles Harris, a standout athlete at Columbus (Texas) High School, earned a prestigious football scholarship to further his education, initially dedicating himself to honing his athletic skills.
However, a serendipitous encounter with his college speech teacher would forever alter the trajectory of his life, as they instilled in him the confidence to audition for a theatrical production, thereby kindling a newfound passion for the performing arts.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Harris's foray into the world of acting, a journey that would eventually become a defining aspect of his life and career.
Throughout the span of a decade, Harris had the privilege of participating in a multitude of college and regional theater productions, a total of over forty, where she had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the most renowned and iconic Hollywood stars of the time, including the esteemed Pat O'Brien, the captivating Linda Darnell, the talented John Kerr, and the charming Carole Cook, alongside numerous other notable actors who were just beginning to make a name for themselves in the industry, such as the accomplished Larry Pine and the talented David Selby.
Notwithstanding the successful culmination of his doctoral studies in English literature, Harris opted to temporarily shelve his aspirations as an actor, instead opting for a life of academia. This marked the beginning of a three-decade-long tenure at a prestigious university, during which time he not only honed his skills as an educator but also assumed the esteemed role of department chair for an impressive fifteen-year period. Furthermore, his impressive academic output included the publication of numerous scholarly books and articles, solidifying his reputation as a respected authority in his field.
After hanging up his academic hat, Harris's daughter, a talented actor and playwright by the name of Kymberly Harris, gently nudged him in the direction of the world of film, urging him to venture forth and explore its many wonders. And so, Harris embarked on a new chapter in his life, becoming a familiar and respected face in the vibrant Chicago independent film scene, where he has had the opportunity to showcase his talents in a wide range of films, web series, and television commercials.
