Harry Anderson, the actor who played a Judge in the NBC comedy “Night Court” for nine seasons, has passed away in his home in Asheville, N.C., according to a local media reports. He was 65.
Anderson was found at his home by police officers early Monday morning, according toa report by WSPA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, N.C. Police told the station that no foul play was suspected, .
Anderson was a magician turned actor who was known as a rabid fan of jazz singer Mel Torme. The affection for Torme was woven into his TV alter ego, Judge Harry Stone, a quirky character who ruled the bench at a Manhattannight court. The sitcom was a mainstay of NBC from 1984 to 1992. Anderson earned three consecutive Emmy nominations for his work on the show from 1985-1987.
Anderson gained national attention after he guest starred as grifter Harry ‘the Hat’ Gittes on NBC’s “Cheers” in the early 1980s. On “Night Court,” Anderson played a goofy but big-hearted judge who encountered a host of oddball characters and cases every week. The series also starred John Larroquette, Richard Moll, Charlies Robinson, Marsha Warfield, and Markie Post.