- His interest in acting developed after he transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he studied acting and gained experience in summer stock.
- Is only the forth person to direct himself in an Oscar Nominated role in POLLOCK (2000)
- His father bought his son a book about Jackson Pollock simply because he felt Pollock bore a strong resemblance to the painter. Ever since then Harris became fascinated with Pollock's life.
- Jack's sidekick, Harry, was originally to be played by him and in this version was going to be revealed as the mad bomber. However, when Ed Harris opted out, and Jeff Daniels signed, the producers felt that the audience would not accept the sudden twist in character so Harry was kept as a good guy throughout and the mad bomber written as a separate character (SPEED (1994)).
- Playing BG Hummel in THE ROCK, he co-starred with Biehn in the THE ABYSS (although not as a Marine).
- Replaced Dennis Hopper in THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998) and went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- The picture of General Hummel (Ed Harris) in Viet Nam was taken from his early movie, BORDERLINE, with Charles Bronson (THE ROCK (1996)).
- Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at Academy Awards for THE HOURS (2003)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role at BAFTA Awards for THE HOURS (2003)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for THE HOURS (2003)
- Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role at Screen Actors Guild Awards for THE HOURS (2003)
- Nominated for Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture at Screen Actors Guild Awards for THE HOURS (2003)
- Nominated for Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture at Screen Actors Guild Awards for A BEAUTIFUL MIND (2002)
- Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at Academy Awards for THE TRUMAN SHOW (1999)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role at BAFTA Awards for THE TRUMAN SHOW (1999)
- Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries at Screen Actors Guild Awards for RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE (1997)
- Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at Academy Awards for APOLLO 13 (1996)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for APOLLO 13 (1996)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for JACKNIFE (1990)
Quotes- "One thing I learned about Mr. Pollock's art, which any art student knows I'm sure, but was indeed a revelation to me, is that Jackson fully believed and lived by 'don't use the accident, because I deny the accident.' One cannot even approximate Pollock's work unless every stroke, every pour, every slap, every fling, every shake, every splash, every splatter and every flick has a specific intention." [on painter Jackson Pollock]
- "Pollock said several times that he couldn't separate himself from his art. Not knowing much about modern art when I began to read about him, it was much more his persona - his struggles as a human being - that was interesting to me." [talking about how he developed his character in Pollock]
Awards- Maine International Film Festival: Mid-Life Achievement Award (2004)
- Toronto Film Critics Association Awards: Best Actor, POLLOCK (2001)
- Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards: Best Supporting Actor, THE TRUMAN SHOW (1999)
- Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, THE TRUMAN SHOW (1999)
- Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Supporting Actor - Drama, THE TRUMAN SHOW (1999)
- National Board of Review: Best Supporting Actor, THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998)
- Screen Actors Guild Award: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, APOLLO 13 (1996)
- Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards: Best Supporting Actor, APOLLO 13 (1996)
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Best Supporting Actor for several films (1996)
- Valladolid International Film Festival: Best Actor, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS (1992)
- Obie: Best Actor, FOOL FOR LOVE (1983)
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