Remembering Barbara Harris

It all began with Barbara Harris.

When lights came up for the very first time at The Second City on opening night in 1959, it was Barbara in the spotlight, a place she truly belonged. As a founding member of the Compass Players, her contributions to both the art of improvisation and the legacy of our theater are incomprehensible. As an actress, her gifts were rare, and she had the Broadway acclaim, Tony award and Oscar nomination to prove it. More than anything, her wit and warmth are what paved the way for so many of us at The Second City, and we are lucky and thankful to be associated with an artist of her caliber.

Condolences to the many loved ones and fans who will miss her one-in-a-million spirit.

"Barbara Harris established the role at Second City of ferociously smart women who refused to be mere adjuncts to the boys. She brought an emotional complexity that has rarely been matched," said Andrew Alexander, CEO and Executive Producer of The Second City.

Read more about her incredible life and unequalled talent via the Chicago Tribune.