Rex Harrison

The Distinguished British Actor

Rex Harrison is one of the most iconic British actors of the 20th century, known for his impeccable stage presence, distinctive voice, and captivating performances in both film and theater. With a career that spanned over five decades, Harrison was regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation, achieving critical and popular success across a wide range of roles. He is best known for his portrayal of Professor Henry Higgins in the Broadway and West End production of My Fair Lady (1956) and the subsequent 1964 film adaptation, a performance that solidified his place in the annals of theatre and film history.

Harrison’s charm, wit, and versatility made him a favourite both on stage and screen. His legacy is not only defined by his award-winning roles but also by the profound impact he had on the arts and the way acting was perceived in both the theatre and cinema.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Rex Harrison was born Reginald Carey Harrison on March 5, 1908, in Huyton, a suburb of Liverpool, England. Coming from a middle-class background, Harrison was exposed to the arts from an early age, developing a passion for acting. He attended the Liverpool Institute and later studied at the University of Oxford, though his academic career was short-lived. His true interest lay in acting, and he soon dropped out of university to pursue a career on the stage.

Harrison made his professional debut in 1924 at the age of 16, appearing in a small role at the Liverpool Playhouse. His early career was largely spent performing in regional theatres, but he quickly earned a reputation for his charismatic stage presence and strong voice. By the late 1930s, Harrison had become a well-known actor in the West End, the heart of London’s theatre scene. His early successes included roles in plays such as The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) and The Circle (1939), which helped establish his reputation as a talented and versatile performer.

Theatre Career: Triumphs and Recognition

Rex Harrison’s breakthrough in the theatre came in 1956 when he was cast as Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, the musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. The musical, with a score by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, was an enormous success, and Harrison’s portrayal of the arrogant, yet endearing linguistics professor earned him critical acclaim. His distinctive delivery of lines and his commanding stage presence brought the character of Higgins to life in a way that no one had imagined possible.

Harrison’s performance in My Fair Lady made him a global star, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. The production ran for several years, and Harrison became an indelible part of its legacy. His portrayal of Higgins, who teaches a poor flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, to speak with an upper-class accent, would come to define his career.

In addition to My Fair Lady, Harrison had a successful career on the British stage. He performed in numerous productions, often portraying sophisticated and authoritative characters. His talent for portraying charming yet complex men of power made him a fixture in both London and New York’s theatrical scenes. Harrison's distinctive voice and aristocratic demeanour were particularly suited to playing the types of roles that demanded both charisma and intellectual depth, which allowed him to shine in a variety of plays.

Film Career: From Stage to Screen

While Harrison was primarily a stage actor, his transition to film was highly successful. He made his film debut in 1934, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that his film career began to take off. His early film roles were often characterized by his portrayal of suave, sophisticated characters, a type that he would become well known for.

In 1947, Harrison starred in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, a fantasy romance film that became a beloved classic. His portrayal of the charming but irascible Captain Gregg, a ghost who haunts a widow, was lauded for its mix of wit, vulnerability, and charm. The film, which co-starred Gene Tierney, remains one of Harrison’s standout performances on the big screen.

My Fair Lady (1964)

Harrison's most significant film role was his portrayal of Professor Henry Higgins in the 1964 film adaptation of My Fair Lady. Directed by George Cukor, the film was a lavish, star-studded affair that included Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and featured many of the same songs from the stage production. Harrison’s performance as the irritable and somewhat self-centred linguistics professor earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal. His transition from stage to screen was seamless, and his sharp, witty delivery was as captivating on film as it had been on stage.

In addition to My Fair Lady, Harrison appeared in several other notable films, such as Cleopatra (1963), in which he played Julius Caesar opposite Elizabeth Taylor, and The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965), where he portrayed Pope Julius II in a historical drama about the life of Michelangelo. Though these films were not as successful as My Fair Lady, they showcased Harrison’s ability to tackle a variety of roles, from historical figures to larger-than-life personalities.

Personal Life and Relationships

Rex Harrison’s personal life was marked by several marriages and romantic relationships. He was married four times, with his most famous union being to actress Lilli Palmer. The two married in 1943 and had two children together. The marriage lasted until 1957 when they divorced. Harrison was later married to actress Kay Kendall, but their marriage was cut short by Kendall’s tragic death from leukemia in 1959.

Harrison's relationships were often the subject of public attention, especially his high-profile marriages and the dramatic events surrounding them. Despite the tumult in his personal life, Harrison maintained a professional and dignified presence both in his career and in the public eye.

Later Years and Legacy

In the later years of his career, Harrison continued to work in both film and theatre, though his roles became less frequent as the years passed. His stage work, especially in revivals of My Fair Lady, remained well-respected, though he never again reached the heights of success he had enjoyed in the 1950s and 1960s.

Rex Harrison passed away on June 2, 1990, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of an era for British theatre and film. He left behind a legacy of outstanding performances, both on the stage and on the screen, that cemented his place as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Distinction

Rex Harrison’s career, defined by elegance, wit, and brilliance, left an indelible mark on both the stage and the silver screen. He brought sophistication and charm to every role he portrayed, from his beloved Professor Higgins to a range of other memorable characters. Harrison’s talent for combining the intellectual with the charismatic made him a versatile actor who excelled in a variety of genres, from romance to historical drama.

His role in My Fair Lady, both on stage and in the 1964 film, remains one of the most significant achievements in theatre and cinema, and it continues to influence actors and filmmakers today. Though he never sought the limelight outside of his performances, Harrison’s work has stood the test of time, ensuring that his legacy as one of the great actors of the 20th century will never be forgotten.