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Harry Waters, Jr.
Harry Waters, Jr.
Biographical information
Physical description
GenderMale
Hair colorBlack
Behind-the-scenes information
  [Source]

Harry Waters, Jr. is an esteemed actor in comedy, musical, and dramatic roles. He is most famous for his portrayal of bandleader Marvin Berry in Back to the Future (1985) which earned him a gold record for his rendition of "Earth Angel." He reprised his role as Marvin Berry for Back to the Future Part II (1989).

Other roles[]

Harry's acting credits also include Disney's Adventures in Wonderland, and Big Bully starring Rick Moranis and television series such as M*A*S*H and 227. He created the role of Belize in the first production of Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes in 1991. Waters was formerly creative director at the non-profit San Diego Junior Theatre in San Diego.

Born in Denver, he is a graduate of Princeton University and University of Wisconsin. He worked as an actor in New York City on and off Broadway for more than a decade as well as at theatres around the country. Venues included the Mark Taper Forum, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks and the San Jose Repertory Theatre.

He was a member of the Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop in Harlem which has developed the work of new, African American playwrights, directors, designers and actors since 1973. 

When Waters was cast as Marvin Berry, he performed "Earth Angel" during the shooting of Back to the Future, certain that his singing was going to be dubbed over by another artist for the film. However, when Waters attended the cast and staff viewing of the film, he was surprised to learn that his own singing performance was the one used for the soundtrack.

He is working in collaboration with novelist/playwright Jewelle Gomez on a play about James Baldwin. The project is being sponsored in its development by Intersection for the Arts.

Waters has taught acting, script development and has directed numerous productions around the country. He is currently a professor in the Theatre Department at Macalester College.

External link[]

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