Leonard Harris, a distinguished individual with an aristocratic face and commanding presence, was fortunate enough to secure a significant role in Martin Scorsese's iconic film, Taxi Driver, in 1976. His portrayal of Senator Charles Palantine, a presidential candidate, left a lasting impression on the audience, particularly in his memorable exchange with Travis Bickle in a cab.
However, what is less known about Harris is that he was not a professional actor. Born in New York, he initially pursued a career in journalism, where he wrote obituaries and book reviews. Later on, he transitioned to becoming a culture critic during the late 1960s and early 1970s, making numerous television appearances. In between his journalistic endeavors, he also found time to write three novels.
In addition to his role in Taxi Driver, Harris's other notable film credit is Hero at Large, released in 1980, which also features Gene Palma, the street drummer who appeared in a minor capacity in Taxi Driver.
In his personal life, Harris was married to Mary Ann Wurth for 12 years and had two children with her. Unfortunately, Harris passed away at the age of 81 due to pneumonia in Connecticut.
