Contents
Rex Harrison
Playing Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir · Doctor Dolittle
- Born
- 5 March 1908
- Birthplace
- Huyton
- Died
- 2 June 1990
More people
Rex Harrison
Rex Harrison built a career in stage comedy and film, becoming closely associated with the demanding Professor Henry Higgins. He played the role on Broadway and in the screen adaptation of My Fair Lady.
Early life
Liverpool beginnings
Educated at Liverpool College, he appeared in school plays and began professional acting at the Liverpool Playhouse aged sixteen.
Career
- 1936
West End breakthrough
Appeared in Terence Rattigan’s French Without Tears.
- 1956
Broadway musical
Created the stage role of Higgins in My Fair Lady.
- 1964
Screen adaptation
Returned as Higgins in the film, winning the Academy Award for best actor.
Selected work
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
Played the sea captain in the romantic fantasy.
Doctor Dolittle
Played the title character in the musical film.
Beyond work
Family
His sons Noel and Carey also pursued creative careers. Harrison was married six times.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Allan warren. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.