Robert Harper (actor)

Raised in Middletown Township, New Jersey, he attended Mater Dei High School.[2] He graduated with honors from Rutgers University with a degree in English literature.[3]

Following his college graduation, Harper took a job at Arena Stage, where he performed in plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Miller, and Wilder.[4]

He appeared on Broadway in a revival of Once in a Lifetime (directed by Tom Moore), The Inspector General, and the original cast of Arthur Miller's The American Clock.[5]

Harper was perhaps most well known for his role as Sharkey in Once Upon a Time in America. He also portrayed Charlie Gereson in Creepshow.[6] Other film credits include Wiseguy, Final Analysis, The Insider, Deconstructing Harry, and Molly.

Harper played lawyers on several occasions and said he had an interest in the law.[7] Harper played Bubba Weisberger on the 1987 – 1988 sitcom Frank's Place. Harper's immersion into the character included spending a month at Tulane University Law School, carrying a novel by Southern writer Walker Percy while on the set,[8] and reading short stories by Tennessee Williams.[7] A Chicago Tribune review called Harper " a slow-moving joy to behold as the seersucker-rumpled lawyer".[9]

In May 2007, Harper delivered the Commencement Address at University College, Rutgers.[1]

On May 30, 1981, he married Lisa Pelikan, an actress.[10]

He was later married to a Dutch woman, Sascha Noorthoorn van der Kruyff, and died in Rotterdam.[1]

• Bob Harper at the Internet Broadway Database
• Robert Harper at IMDb