Is Rolf Harris Still Alive? Where is He Now?
by Rubaditsha | Updated May 18, 2023
Who Is Rolf Harrie?
Rolf Harris, born on March 30, 1930, is a multifaceted Australian entertainer known for his work as a musician, singer-songwriter, composer, comedian, actor, painter, and television personality. Throughout his career, he showcased his talents using unique instruments such as the didgeridoo, stylophone, and even invented the wobble board. However, Harris's reputation took a significant hit in 2014 when he was convicted of sexually assaulting four underage girls, leading to the downfall of his career.
During his teenage years, Harris excelled as a champion swimmer. He ventured into television, music, and art in the 1950s, releasing several popular songs including "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" (which became a top 10 hit in Australia, the UK, and the US), "Jake the Peg," and "Two Little Boys" (reaching number 1 in the UK). In the 1960s and 1970s, Harris gained considerable success as a television personality in the UK, hosting shows like Rolf's Cartoon Club and Animal Hospital. In 1985, he presented the educational film Kids Can Say No!, which aimed to inform children aged five to eight on how to avoid and escape situations involving sexual abuse, as well as seek help if abused. In 2005, Harris had the honor of painting an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. For over six decades, he resided in Bray, Berkshire, England.
Following the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal in late 2012, Harris was arrested as part of the Operation Yewtree police investigation. In May 2013, he was questioned regarding historical allegations of sexual offenses but was released on bail without charge, maintaining his innocence. However, in August 2013, Harris was arrested again and charged with nine counts of indecent assault dating back to the 1980s, involving two girls aged 14 to 16, as well as four counts related to the production of indecent child images in 2012.
In July 2014, at the age of 84, Harris was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of twelve counts of indecent assault against four female victims during the 1970s and 1980s. He served nearly three years at HM Prison Stafford and was released on licence in 2017. As a result of his conviction, Harris was stripped of various honors he had received throughout his career, and reruns of television programs featuring him were removed from syndication. In 2017, one count of indecently assaulting an eight-year-old girl in Portsmouth was overturned as unsafe. Harris sought permission to appeal against his remaining convictions concerning three other girls, but his request was refused.
Is Rolf Harris Still Alive?
Yes, Rolf Harris is still alive. Based on the information, Harris has been battling neck cancer and his health has been deteriorating. The recent sighting of a private ambulance outside his residence suggests that his condition may have worsened. The specific details regarding his current status, including whether he is still alive, would require up-to-date information from a reliable source. I recommend checking reputable news outlets or conducting an online search for the latest updates on Rolf Harris's well-being.
Where Is Rolf Harris Now?
Currently there is no clear information about Rolf Harris. In 2020, Rolf Harris was spotted near his home while walking his dog. In contrast to fellow disgraced TV star Stuart Hall, who downsized to a council house following his prison sentence, Harris apparently maintained his original estate in Berkshire.
Surprisingly, vintage Harris merchandise was still being sold on platforms like Amazon and eBay as recently as 2021. This suggests that despite his conviction and imprisonment, there was still a market for memorabilia associated with him.
In 2019, reports emerged of Harris entering the grounds of a primary school in Maidenhead, Berks. The head teacher promptly instructed him to leave, but not before Harris managed to wave at the assembled schoolchildren. A witness who observed this incident and captured pictures of Harris on the school grounds expressed disbelief at what they were witnessing.
Born on March 30, 1930, in Perth, Australia, to Welsh emigrants, Harris demonstrated artistic talent from an early age. In fact, when he was just 16, a self-portrait he painted was exhibited in the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He was also a skilled swimmer and won a national competition during his youth. In 1953, at the age of 22, Harris traveled to England to pursue his studies. Within a year, he began hosting a children's art show on the BBC.
As of October 2022, Harris's health has significantly deteriorated, and he is reportedly "gravely ill." He requires round-the-clock care due to his neck cancer, which has left him unable to eat or speak. Carers and nurses attend to him continuously, with minimal outside activity observed at his residence according to a neighbor's account.
When did he go to jail?
In 2014, Rolf Harris underwent a lengthy trial at Southwark Crown Court, where he was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault. As a result, he was sentenced to five years in prison. During the sentencing, Mr Justice Sweeney admonished Harris, stating that he had shown no remorse for his crimes. The judge also emphasized that Harris had brought ruin upon his reputation, lost his honours, and had no one to blame but himself.
Following his conviction, Harris began serving his sentence at HM Prison Stafford in 2014. While incarcerated, Harris released a statement in the book titled "Rolf Harris: The Defence Team's Special Investigator Reveals the Truth Behind the Trials," written by William Merritt.
In his statement, Harris acknowledged the prevailing climate of skepticism and the tendency to quickly condemn individuals, likening his case to those of Jimmy Savile and Gary Glitter. Harris maintained that he had been wrongfully convicted in his initial trial and highlighted that the Court of Appeal had subsequently overturned one of his convictions. Harris further explained that he had changed his legal team after the first trial and had been assured that Merritt would uncover the truth, which he believed Merritt had achieved. Harris also noted that he had already served his prison sentence by the time the appeal occurred.
Is Rolf Harris Still Alive: FAQs
Rolf Harris is known for his work as a musician, singer-songwriter, composer, comedian, actor, painter, and television personality.
Rolf Harris played unique instruments such as the didgeridoo, stylophone, and is credited with inventing the wobble board.
Some of Rolf Harris's popular songs include "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport," "Jake the Peg," and "Two Little Boys."
Rolf Harris hosted shows like Rolf's Cartoon Club and Animal Hospital.