Henry Burkhardt Harris

Who was Mr Henry Burkhardt Harris?

Mr Henry Burkhardt Harris was a prominent American theatrical manager and producer who perished in the Titanic disaster at the age of 45 (forty-five). Known as “Harry” to friends and family, he was a leading figure in the American theater scene of the early 20th century, responsible for discovering and promoting numerous stars and producing several hit plays.

Early Life and Family

Henry B. Harris was born on December 1, 1866, in St. Louis, Missouri. He came from a theatrical family, with his father William Harris being a theatrical manager of Prussian descent. His mother, Rachel Freefield, was of German or Prussian origin. Henry was one of five siblings, including:

Minnie (b. August 30, 1865)
Jennie (b. ca. 1868)
Gertrude (b. January 1877)
William Oakland (b. July 22, 1884)

Personal Life and Appearance

Harris stood at 5'10" tall and had dark eyes and black hair. He was married twice in his lifetime:

His first marriage was to Bertha Prager on February 3, 1887, in Boston, Massachusetts. Tragically, Bertha passed away on May 31, 1895, at the young age of 27.
After moving to New York, Harris married Renée Wallach on October 22, 1899.

The couple resided at 50 Central Park West in New York City.

Career in Theater

How did Henry B. Harris rise to prominence in the theater world?

Henry B. Harris’s ascent in the theatrical world was marked by a series of strategic moves and successful productions:

Early Career: He started by managing personalities like Lillie Langtry and Amelia Bingham, and launched Robert Edeson as a star.
Theater Ownership:
- Hudson Theatre (1903) - His principal producing theater in New York
- Hackett Theatre (1909) - Renamed as Harris Theatre in honor of his father
- Folies Bergère (1911) - Later renamed Fulton Theatre
Major Productions:
- “The Lion and the Mouse” (1905) - His greatest success, making him a millionaire
- “The Chorus Lady” (1906)
- “The Third Degree” (1909)
- “The Country Boy” (1910)
- “The Quaker Girl” (1911)
Star Discovery: Harris was credited with discovering talents like Elsie Ferguson, Mae West, and Ina Claire.
Business Expansion: By the 1910-11 season, he had 18 companies on tour.

Professional Achievements and Character

Harris’s success in the theater world was widely recognized. The Boston Globe described him as “one of the great leaders in theatrical affairs of America.” Despite his celebrity status, he was known for his quiet and unassuming nature.

“The phenomenal success of Henry B. Harris Enterprises catapulted the producer into show-biz orbit as high as any star he promoted. A bona fide celebrity, he cared little for the distinction.” - Randy Bigham and Gregg Jasper, “Broadway Dame”

Harris was praised for his:

Generosity
Considerate nature
High-mindedness
Practical approach to business

He held several important positions in the theater industry:

Treasurer of the Actors’ Fund of America
Trustee of the Hebrew Infant Asylum of New York
President of the Henry B. Harris Company
Director of the Theater Managers of Greater New York

The Titanic Journey

What were the details of Henry B. Harris’s Titanic voyage?

Henry B. Harris and his wife Renée boarded the Titanic at Southampton for what would be his final journey. Their travel details were as follows:

Class: 1st Class
Cabin: C-83
Ticket Number: 36973
Ticket Price: £83 9s 6d

They were accompanied by Harris’s business friend, John D. Baumann.

Tragic End and Legacy

Tragically, Henry B. Harris did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified. In a surprising turn of events, newspapers reported after his death that Harris was heavily in debt, contrary to his reputation as a successful and wealthy producer.

Despite this financial revelation, Henry B. Harris left an indelible mark on American theater. His keen eye for talent, successful productions, and contributions to theatrical organizations ensured his place in the annals of Broadway history. The Harris Theatre, renamed in honor of his father, stood as a physical testament to the Harris family’s impact on New York’s theater scene for years to come.