Wissenswertes

Along with Elaine May, she is generally acknowledged to be one of the pioneering women in the field of improvisational theatre. Scenes she created with Alan Arkin, Severn Darden, Paul Sand and other celebrated members of the Second City and Compass companies are studied as masterpieces of the form. Most famous scenes: "Museum Piece" (with Arkin) and "First Affair" (with Darden).

Was seriously considered for the role of Neely O'Hara in the film Das Tal der Puppen (1967). The character Neely O'Hara was based on Judy Garland, who herself was the original lead actress in the film but was replaced at the last minute by Susan Hayward due to Garland's drug and alcohol habit. The role of Neely O'Hara was later won by Academy Award winner Patty Duke.

Won Broadway's 1967 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "The Apple Tree". This followed two previous Tony nominations: in 1962, as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical) for "From the Second City", and, in 1966, as Best Actress (Musical) for "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever".

Her mother, Natalie (Densmoor), was an accomplished pianist, and her father, Oscar Graham Harris, was a tree surgeon who later became a businessman. Her father was from Texas and her mother from Wisconsin.

Following her death, she was buried in Markesan, Wisconsin's memorial cemetery.

Attended and graduated from Wilbur Wright College, a community college in Chicago, Illinois.

She had English, German and Irish ancestry. Her paternal grandmother was born in Germany.

Harris turned down the role of Mabel Normand in the musical "Mack and Mabel" because she only sang four songs and felt there wasn't enough for her to do.

She was a member of the Compass Players, America's first ongoing improvisational theatre troupe.

Was fired from Gypsy (1993).