Rolf Harris Obituary and Cause of Death
by Rubaditsha
Updated May 24, 2023
Who Was Rolf Harris?
Rolf Harris, an Australian musician, singer-songwriter, painter, and television personality, passed away on May 10, 2023, at the age of 93. Throughout his career, Harris gained recognition for his unique performances and his contributions to music, art, and television. He was known for playing unconventional instruments such as the didgeridoo and the stylophone, and he is credited with inventing the wobble board. Harris achieved success with songs like "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport," "Sun Arise," "Jake the Peg," and "Two Little Boys," which reached number one in the UK.
In addition to his music career, Harris became a popular television personality in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s. He hosted shows like Rolf's Cartoon Club and Animal Hospital, showcasing his vibrant personality and engaging performances. Harris's talents extended to painting as well, and he even painted an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 2005. He resided in Bray, Berkshire, England, for over six decades.
However, in 2014, Harris's life took a dramatic turn when he was convicted of sexually assaulting four underage girls. This resulted in a significant impact on his career and personal life. Following his conviction, Harris was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison on twelve counts of indecent assault. He served nearly three years in HM Prison Stafford before being released on parole in 2017.
The conviction led to the stripping of many honors and awards previously bestowed upon Harris. Television programs featuring him were removed from syndication, and his reputation was irreversibly tarnished. Harris attempted to appeal his convictions, but only one count was overturned, while the convictions related to the other three victims remained intact.
The death of Rolf Harris brings closure to a controversial and troubled chapter in his life. While his contributions to the music, art, and entertainment industries were once celebrated, his crimes and conviction will forever be a dark part of his legacy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need to address and prevent sexual abuse, regardless of a person's public image or past achievements.
Rolf Harris Obituary
Rolf Harris, the Australian entertainer and television personality, has died at the age of 93. He passed away following a battle with neck cancer, according to exclusive information revealed by MailOnline. Harris had been living as a recluse with his wife in their riverside mansion in Bray after being released from prison in 2017. A private ambulance was seen outside his home on May 11, and sources close to the family confirmed that he had died up to two weeks prior. His death was registered with the local council on the day the news broke.
Harris rose to fame as a beloved entertainer, captivating audiences with his musical talents and engaging performances. However, his career took a dark turn when he was convicted of multiple sex offenses in 2014. The charges included indecent assaults on children as young as eight years old and spanned over several decades. He was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for the 12 counts of indecent assault.
Following his conviction, Harris faced significant repercussions, with his honors and accolades being stripped away. He had received a 2012 Bafta fellowship and a CBE, but both were revoked. Additionally, his Australian honors were also taken away. Harris became a controversial figure, and his case brought to light discussions about the abuse of power and the impact on victims.
Harris had been battling neck cancer since his release from prison. The disease had taken a toll on his health, leading to difficulties in speaking and requiring him to be fed through a tube. He lived a secluded life with his wife, Alwen, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Despite her condition, they continued to reside together with the help of round-the-clock care.
The news of Harris' death has sparked various reactions, with his family requesting privacy and stating that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. There have been no further comments from them on the matter. While Harris had millions of fans worldwide, his conviction tarnished his legacy, and his victims have expressed mixed emotions about his passing.
Rolf Harris leaves behind a complex legacy, with his talents and contributions to the entertainment industry overshadowed by the serious crimes for which he was convicted. His death marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in his life, while also prompting reflection on the broader issues of abuse and accountability.
Rolf Harris Dead At 93
Renowned entertainer Rolf Harris has passed away at the age of 93, as reported exclusively. The Australian TV star, who had been living as a recluse with his wife in their riverside mansion in Bray, succumbed to neck cancer. Harris had been battling the disease since his release from prison in 2017. A private ambulance was spotted at his residence on May 11, and sources close to the family revealed that he had passed away up to two weeks prior. The official registration of his death with the local council coincided with the public announcement.
Harris enjoyed a long and successful career, captivating audiences with his musical talents and vibrant personality. However, his image was tarnished when he was convicted of multiple sexual offenses in 2014. The charges involved indecent assaults on individuals as young as eight years old and spanned several decades. Consequently, he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison on 12 counts of indecent assault.
Following his conviction, Harris faced severe consequences, including the revocation of his prestigious honors and awards. The 2012 Bafta fellowship and CBE that he had received were stripped away, along with his Australian honors. The case surrounding Harris sparked significant public debate on issues such as abuse of power and the lasting impact on victims.
Harris had been struggling with neck cancer since his release from prison, which significantly affected his health. The disease had resulted in difficulties with speaking, and he relied on a feeding tube for sustenance. He and his wife, Alwen, lived a secluded life, with Alwen battling Alzheimer's disease. Despite her condition, they remained together with the assistance of around-the-clock care.
The news of Harris' death has elicited a range of responses, and his family has requested privacy during this time. They released a statement expressing that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and indicated that no further comments would be made. While Harris had millions of fans worldwide, his conviction overshadowed his once-flourishing career, and the reactions from his victims have been mixed.
The passing of Rolf Harris marks the end of a complex and tumultuous chapter in his life. His legacy, once celebrated for his contributions to the entertainment industry, will forever be intertwined with the serious crimes for which he was convicted. His death invites contemplation on broader societal issues surrounding abuse and the importance of accountability.
Rolf Harris Death
Rolf Harris, the disgraced TV presenter, has passed away at the age of 93. His death was confirmed by a registrar at Maidenhead Town Hall, with the cause listed as neck cancer and frailty of old age. According to his family, Harris died peacefully at his home in Bray, Berkshire, surrounded by loved ones.
Harris had been battling neck cancer and had been in declining health. In recent years, he had become a recluse, requiring round-the-clock care from nurses and carers. The final public images of him showed him using a cane and struggling to walk.
Harris's career took a dramatic turn in 2014 when he was convicted of 12 indecent assaults on four underage girls between 1968 and 1986. He was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, but he was released on parole in 2017. Harris attempted to appeal his convictions, but only one was overturned, leaving the other 11 intact.
The news of Harris's death brings closure to a controversial and difficult chapter in his life. Once a beloved entertainer and popular figure, his downfall was a shock to many. His crimes and subsequent conviction tarnished his reputation and left a lasting impact on his victims.
Throughout his career, Harris achieved success as a musician, TV presenter, and artist. He wrote the hit song "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" in 1957, which gained international popularity. He also had a number-one hit with "Two Little Boys" in 1969. Harris was known for his vibrant personality, entertaining performances, and his ability to connect with audiences.
However, it is important to recognize that his death does not erase the serious crimes for which he was convicted. The legacy of Rolf Harris will forever be marred by his offenses and the harm caused to his victims. It is a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their public image or past achievements.
Rolf Harris Cause of Death
Rolf Harris, the former entertainer who was convicted of a series of indecent assaults and served a prison sentence, has passed away at the age of 93. The cause of his death has been confirmed as neck cancer, specifically metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, in addition to the effects of old age.
According to the death certificate, Harris was laid to rest after his passing. His family released a statement through their solicitor, requesting privacy and stating that he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. They have chosen not to provide any further details or comments.
Following his release from prison in 2017, Harris lived a reclusive life. In 2022, writer William Merritt encountered Harris and described him as being very ill. Merritt mentioned that Harris was able to communicate but struggled due to his ongoing battle with cancer. Harris exhibited childlike behavior and tried to perform despite his health challenges when others were present.
Harris had been a prominent figure in family entertainment in both Britain and Australia before his crimes were exposed. After his conviction in 2014, he lost several honors, including an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and a BAFTA Fellowship.
The death of Rolf Harris marks the end of a controversial and troubled chapter in his life. While his legacy will forever be tainted by his criminal actions, his passing also serves as a reminder of the impact of cancer and the inevitable effects of old age.
Rolf Harris Obituary: FAQs
Rolf Harris was an Australian musician, singer-songwriter, painter, and television personality.
Rolf Harris was known for playing unusual instruments in his performances, including the didgeridoo, stylophone, and the wobble board, which he is credited with inventing.
Some of Rolf Harris's notable songs include "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport," "Sun Arise," "Jake the Peg," and "Two Little Boys," which reached number 1 in the UK.
Rolf Harris had a successful career in television, music, and art. He hosted various TV shows, such as Rolf's Cartoon Club and Animal Hospital. In 2005, he painted an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.