Harry Jackson was an American actor who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the straightforward Hank Hansen in The Night Runner (1957), a film noir thriller about a man who is haunted by his past. Jackson had a promising career ahead of him, but it was cut short by a tragic accident that claimed his life in 1973. Here is what we know about Harry Jackson actor cause of death and his life and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Harry Jackson was born on March 21, 1923, in Pelham Manor, New York, USA. His birth name was Henry Jackson, but he later changed it to Harry to avoid confusion with another actor. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where he studied theatrical arts and honed his acting skills. He began his career as a leading man on the Broadway stage, appearing in plays such as The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, The Seven Year Itch, and The Rainmaker.
He made his film debut in 1952, playing a minor role in The Sniper, a crime drama about a serial killer. He went on to appear in more than 50 films and television shows, mostly in supporting roles. Some of his notable credits include The Power of the Resurrection (1958), where he played James the Lesser, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ; The Twilight Zone (1960), where he played a trumpeter who is given a second chance at life; and Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), where he played a reporter who interviews the notorious prisoner Robert Stroud.
Personal Life and Marriage
Harry Jackson was married to Kathy Marlowe, an actress and model who was crowned Miss New York in 1956. They tied the knot on January 21, 1959, in a ceremony attended by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The couple appeared together in several films and television shows, such as The Tab Hunter Show, The Barbara Stanwyck Show, and Hawaiian Eye. They also co-starred in a stage production of The Tender Trap in 1961. However, their marriage was not a happy one, and they divorced in 1962.
Death and Legacy
Harry Jackson died on July 30, 1973, in New York City, New York, USA. He was 50 years old. The cause of his death was a morphine overdose, which was ruled accidental by a coroner’s inquest. According to IMDb, he had a car accident the day before his death, and he may have taken the drug to ease his pain. He was found dead in his residence at 45 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, by his friend and fellow actor Frank R. Adamski. He was buried at Tongore Cemetery in Olivebridge, New York.
Harry Jackson left behind a legacy of memorable performances in film and television. He was praised for his versatility, charisma, and professionalism. He worked with some of the most renowned directors and actors of his time, such as Burt Lancaster, Rod Serling, and Joseph Cotten. He was also a talented musician and singer, who played the trumpet, piano, and guitar. He was a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Harry Jackson actor cause of death was a tragic end to a promising career. He was a talented and respected actor who left a mark on the entertainment industry. He will always be remembered for his roles in The Night Runner, The Power of the Resurrection, and The Twilight Zone. He was a star who shone bright, but burned out too soon.
