Julie Harris, one of the 20th century's great stage and screen actresses, has passed away at the age of 87. The acting great first gained attention working on Broadway in the early 1950's and eventually went on to earn 10 Tony nominations and five wins throughout her time as a stage actress, the joint record for most wins in Tony history. She also went on to earn a plethora of awards for her time as a screen actress, although she will best be remembered as a stage actress.

Julie Harris
Harris leaves behind a legacy as one of the finest actresses of her generation

Her death, which was confirmed by the Associated Press on Sunday (25 August), came in the early hours of Saturday, 24 August, at her home in Chatham, Massachusetts. A Michigan-native, the actress first took to acting in the 1940's and gained her first Broadway break in 1945. Her breakthrough came 5 years later in the hit play The Member of the Wedding, which was eventually adapted for the big screen three years later, with Harris regaining her role as Frankie in the film, earning an Oscar nomination along the way.

She continued her love affair with the big screen following her initial success with an appearance alongside James Deen in 1955's East of Eden, and went on to appear in over 30 different movies in her career. She also won three Emmy awards for her time as a television actress, for which she probably best known for starring in the soap opera Knot's Landing, although it is her stage work that won her the most acclaim and where her heart truly lay.

Julie Harris Hepburn Garden
Harris shares the honour for most Tony Award wins

Winning five Tony Awards throughout her stage career, a feat that has only been matched by Angela Lansbury and Audra McDonald, Harris leaves behind a legacy as one of the finest actresses of a generation and although she may not be one of the most instantly recognisable names in showbiz, her achievements and prowess as an actress should not be forgotten. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.

Julie Harris Academy of Dramatic Arts
Julie Harris; 1925 - 2013