Henry B. Harris, American producer and manager (b. 1866)

Henry Birkhardt Harris (born December 1, 1866, in St. Louis, Missouri; died April 15, 1912, in the North Atlantic Ocean) was a towering figure in American theatre during the early 20th century. A highly respected Broadway producer and influential theatre owner, his promising career was tragically cut short by the infamous sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Born into a theatrical family, Henry inherited a passion for the stage from his father, William Harris Sr., a prominent manager himself. This early exposure provided him with an unparalleled understanding of the intricate world of theatre, from managing productions to owning the very venues where magic unfolded. By the turn of the century, Henry B. Harris had established himself as a significant force on Broadway, known for his keen eye for talent and successful productions that captivated audiences. He owned the prestigious Hudson Theatre and managed several others, playing a crucial role in shaping the entertainment landscape of his era.

The Fateful Voyage Aboard the RMS Titanic

In the spring of 1912, Henry and his wife, Irma Renée Harris, were returning to New York from a business and pleasure trip in Europe. They boarded the magnificent RMS Titanic, hailed as an "unsinkable" luxury liner, for its maiden voyage across the Atlantic. The couple occupied cabin C-83, anticipating a triumphant return to their bustling life on Broadway.

However, in the late hours of April 14, 1912, the dream voyage turned into a nightmare when the Titanic struck an iceberg. As chaos ensued and it became clear the mighty ship was doomed, Henry Birkhardt Harris reportedly acted with remarkable composure and chivalry. He ensured his wife, Renée, was safely placed into a lifeboat, reportedly with the words, "It will be alright, little girl. I will be with you in the morning." True to the prevailing code of conduct for gentlemen of the era, he refused a place in a lifeboat for himself, choosing to remain on the sinking ship. His body, if recovered, was never positively identified, and he perished alongside more than 1,500 other passengers and crew.

Renee Harris: A Legacy Forged in Tragedy

Irma Renée Harris (born Irma Josephine Schlesinger, 1876; died September 2, 1969, in New York City) survived the harrowing ordeal on Lifeboat 13. Adrift in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, she eventually witnessed the rescue by the RMS Carpathia. Her survival, however, was tinged with profound grief and loss. Returning to New York, she found herself not only a widow but also entrusted with the significant theatrical empire Henry had built.

Against societal expectations for a woman of her time, and amidst immense personal sorrow, Renée Harris demonstrated extraordinary resilience and business acumen. She courageously stepped into her late husband's shoes, becoming one of Broadway's first successful female producers. She managed his theatres, including the Hudson, and produced a string of successful plays, ensuring Henry's legacy endured and even flourished. Her career as a producer lasted for decades, until her death in 1969, making her a significant figure in her own right and a testament to her strength and dedication to American theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Henry Birkhardt Harris?
Henry Birkhardt Harris was a prominent American Broadway producer and theatre owner in the early 20th century, known for his significant contributions to the theatrical landscape of New York City.
What was his role in Broadway?
He owned and managed several key Broadway theatres, most notably the Hudson Theatre, and produced numerous successful plays, playing a vital role in shaping American theatrical entertainment.
How did Henry B. Harris die?
He tragically died on April 15, 1912, during the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He was returning from Europe with his wife, Renée, and reportedly ensured her safety in a lifeboat before perishing with the ship.
Did his wife, Renée Harris, survive the Titanic disaster?
Yes, Irma Renée Harris survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic after being placed into a lifeboat by her husband. She went on to have a remarkable career as a pioneering female Broadway producer.
What did Renée Harris do after her husband's death?
Following Henry's death, Renée Harris took over his theatrical enterprises, becoming one of Broadway's first successful female producers. She managed his theatres and produced numerous successful plays for several decades, establishing her own significant legacy in American theatre.
Did Henry and Renée Harris have any children?
Records indicate that Henry and Renée Harris did not have any children. Their shared legacy primarily revolves around their profound impact on American theatre, first through Henry's productions and then through Renée's continuation and expansion of that work.