Blue-eyed with sharp features and the outward demeanor of an every-day Joe, Ed Harris possesses a quiet intensity, strength, charisma and sensitivity that electrifies the screen. He has proven himself capable of playing leading and supporting, heroic or villainous roles with equal aplomb. Born Edward Allen Harris, he was an athlete in high school and spent two years playing football for two years at Columbia.

His interest in acting developed after he transferred to Oklahoma State University where he studied acting and gained experience in summer stock. Harris next attended the California Institute of the Arts. He graduated with a Fine Arts degree and went on to find steady work in the West Coast theatrical world. (Harris has since become a trustee at his alma mater CAI). In 1983, Harris debuted off-Broadway in Sam Shepard's Fool for Love in a part especially written for him. His performance one him an Obie for Best Actor. He made his Broadway debut in 1986 in George Firth's Precious Sons and was nominated for a Tony. On stage, Harris has gone on to win numerous awards from associations on both coasts.

Harris made his film debut in 1977's made-for-television movie The Amazing Howard Hughes. He made his feature film debut with a small role in Coma (1978), but his career didn't take off until director George Romero starred Harris in Knightriders (1981). Romero then cast him in Creeepshow (1982). Harris' big break as a movie star came in 1983 when he was cast as straight-arrow astronaut John Glenn in the film version of Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff. Twelve years later, Harris would again enter the world of NASA, this time playing unsung hero Gene Krantz (and winning an Oscar nomination) in Ron Howard's The Right Stuff. In 1993, Harris also played a psychopathic mercenary in Under Fire. Though diverse, both performances were impressive. The following year, Harris appeared in three major features including the highly touted Places in the Heart. This film introduced him to his future wife Amy Madigan, who also costarred with him in Alamo Bay (1985). In addition to his feature filmwork, Harris appeared in television movies such as The Last Innocent Man (1987). He played one of his best known roles in The Abyss (1989), bringing great humanity to the heroic protagonist. Harris was also notable in David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross. As the '90s progress, Ed Harris' career continues to thrive.