Harry Anderson, of “Night Court” Fame, Dead at 65

Harry Anderson, known best for his role as Judge Harry T. Stone on "Night Court" was found dead in his North Carolina home last night.  Anderson was 65.

While he earned critical acclaim and amassed a devoted fan base on “Night Court,” Anderson never fancied himself an actor. “I’m a magician, or a performer, by nature, and that’s always what I’ve been,” Anderson said in a 2014 interview.

“I was never really an actor,” he said. “I was a magician who fell into a part on ‘Cheers.’”

His role as the swindler Harry (the Hat) Gittes on “Cheers” — he appeared in six episodes, four in the first two seasons — led to his break on “Night Court."

In 1990, he starred in the television adaptation of Stephen King's It as the adult Richie Tozier.  From 1993 to 1997, Anderson starred in the television sitcom Dave's World, based loosely on the life and columns of humor columnist Dave Barry.