Rex Harrison, the distinguished British actor whose career spanned decades and included dozens of plays, musicals, and films, died at the age of 82 on June 2, 1990. Harrison was born Reginald Carey Harrison on March 5, 1908 in Huyton, England. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art beginning in 1928, during which time he earned lead roles in productions there. After graduating in 1931, he made his professional debut in the West End production of Petticoat Fever, and thereafter appeared in a number of other productions, including Private Lives, The Lady Comes Across, and Candida. In 1939, as film began to emerge in Britain, Harrison left the stage to pursue a career in film, signing to Gaumont-British. His first roles included Major Prendergast in Pygmalion (1938). On American soil, he made his screen debut in 1945 in The Rake's Progress, which was followed by hits such as Major Barbara (1941) and Anna and the King of Siam (1946). Harrison also enjoyed success in the American film industry, appearing in popular films such as Night Must Fall (1937), The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), My Fair Lady (1964), and Doctor Dolittle (1967). Harrison was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1965, eventually rising to the level of Knight Commander in 1989. In 1980, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. His personal life included marriages to Collette Thomas, Lilli Palmer, Kay Kendall, and Elizabeth Rees-Williams. Harrison is remembered as a legend of the stage and silver screen. With a career full of well-crafted performances, he leaves behind a rich legacy of talent, hard work, dedication and sheer professionalism.