Harry Laverne Anderson (born October 14, 1952) is an American actor, screenwriter, director and magician. He is best known for the role of Judge Harry Stone on the 1984–92 television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985….Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man Harry “The Hat” Gittes on Cheers…..while also touring extensively as a magician and did several magic/comedy shows for broadcast….including Harry Anderson’s Sideshow (1987). Eventually as Judge Harry Stone on the hit TV show Night Court….Anderson went on to appear in numerous other TV specials and shows….including 12 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. As a magician, Anderson has since toured extensively and performed many comedy/magic shows for clubs and broadcast, including Harry Anderson’s Sideshow in 1987.
From this lil ole Chiweenie’s perspective….what I liked most about Harry the Hat….was his longtime friend with Turk Pipkin…..who was instrumental in getting Bone Daddy’s living quarters at Hollywood’s Magic Castle for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics…..for Anderson and Pipkin wrote a book called Games You Can’t Lose: A Guide for Suckers….a collection of gags, cons, tricks and scams. First published in 1989….this title also contains a survey of “Games You Can’t Win” told from an insider’s perspective.
