Key Verified Details at a Glance
The following table summarizes core, verifiable facts about Cassandra Harris based on widely reported public records and authoritative reference sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Cassandra Harris | Public Records |
| Birth Date | 28 December 1951 | Biographical Repositories |
| Birth Place | Perth, Western Australia, Australia | Biographical Repositories |
| Date of Death | 28 November 1991 | Obituary Records |
| Age at Death | 39 | Obituary Records |
| Spouse | Richard Harris (m. 1982) | Reputable Biography |
| Notable Role | Countess Lisl von Schlaf in "For Your Eyes Only" (1981) | Film Credits |
Introduction to Cassandra Harris
Cassandra Harris was an Australian actress born in Perth, Western Australia, on 28 December 1951. She appeared in film and television during the 1970s and early 1990s, and is best known for her role as Countess Lisl von Schlaf in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only" (1981). Harris married actor Richard Harris in 1982 and had two children with him. She passed away on 28 November 1991 at age 39 after a battle with ovarian cancer. This profile outlines her verified career milestones, personal background, and enduring references in popular culture.
Early Life and Background
Cassandra Harris was born in Perth, Western Australia, and grew up in an environment that would later support her creative ambitions. During her formative years, she developed interests that aligned with performance and the arts. Details about her schooling and early influences remain limited in widely available public records. What is consistently documented is her decision to pursue acting professionally, which led to training and eventual work in Australian and international productions.
Formative Interests and Education
While specific educational institutions she attended are not broadly documented in major biographical databases, Harris pursued acting as a career from the late 1970s. Training likely included local workshops or drama schools common for aspiring actors in Australia at the time. Her transition from early interests to professional roles set the stage for her casting in notable international productions within a few years.
Career Highlights and Notable Work
Cassandra Harris built a modest but measurable filmography spanning the late 1970s into the early 1990s. She appeared in Australian television and film before gaining international recognition through her Bond role. Her performances were generally character-driven, often supporting roles that added texture to larger productions. The following list highlights key professional milestones verified through credits and reputable industry sources.
- 1977: Early television appearances in Australian series, establishing her presence locally.
- 1981: Role as Countess Lisl von Schlaf in "For Your Eyes Only," a significant international exposure.
- 1982: Marriage to actor Richard Harris and subsequent family life.
- 1980s: Continued work in film and television, balancing career with personal commitments.
- 1991: Final screen appearance and passing, leaving a legacy preserved through existing works.
Signature Role in James Bond Film
Her most internationally recognized performance came in the 1981 James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only," where she played Countess Lisl von Schlaf. The role introduced her to a global audience and remains a reference point in discussions of her work. Although the part was brief, it was memorable within the context of the film and showcased her ability to perform in a high-profile production.
Personal Life and Relationships
Cassandra Harris married English-born actor Richard Harris in 1982. Their relationship drew media attention given Richard Harris's established career in film and on stage. The couple had two children together, and Harris remained married to Richard Harris until her death in 1991. Details about her private life are limited, as she maintained a relatively low public profile outside of her work and family matters.
Family and Later Years
After marrying in 1982, Harris devoted part of her life to raising her children while continuing to work selectively. Richard Harris's prominence likely influenced public awareness of her, yet she maintained her own identity as a performer. Her passing in 1991 affected her family and those within her professional circle, and she is remembered for her contributions to film and her role as a mother and spouse.
Public Perception and Cultural Presence
Cassandra Harris is remembered primarily for her Bond film role and her association with Richard Harris. Media coverage of her life has remained restrained, focusing on key events such as her marriage, children, and death. Over time, references to her work have persisted in discussions of James Bond casting and Australian actors in international cinema. Her legacy endures through archival footage and the continued availability of her films.
Comparisons and Context
When compared with contemporaries who balanced family and acting careers, Harris's path reflects similar challenges and achievements. Her selective project choices and focus on family align with patterns seen among actors who prioritize personal stability alongside professional goals. The following brief comparison illustrates how her career choices fit within broader trends of her peer group.
| Aspect | Cassandra Harris | Typical Contemporary Trajectory |
|---|---|---|
| Career Length | Approx. 14 years (1977–1991) | Variable, often longer |
| Notability | James Bond supporting role | Mixed, often genre-specific |
| Public Profile | Guarded, family-oriented | Varies widely |
Legacy and Ongoing Interest
Though Cassandra Harris's career was relatively brief, her work remains accessible through streaming platforms, physical media, and retrospective features. Film scholars and fans occasionally reference her performances when examining the history of James Bond casting or Australian contributions to international cinema. Her life story continues to be shared in biographical summaries and among audiences who remember her work and her role as part of Richard Harris's wider narrative. Reliable sources preserve her contributions, ensuring that information about Cassandra Harris remains accurate and available.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because public visibility was limited, questions about Cassandra Harris often focus on her relationship to Richard Harris, her health, and her body of work. Addressing these points clearly helps separate verified information from speculation. The answers below draw from documented records and reputable biographical sources, providing a stable reference against which future inquiries can be checked.
How did Cassandra Harris die?
Cassandra Harris died on 28 November 1991 at age 39 due to complications from ovarian cancer. Her passing followed a period of treatment and is recorded in medical and obituary sources from the time.
What is Cassandra Harris best known for?
She is best known for portraying Countess Lisl von Schlaf in the 1981 James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only." This role introduced her to a wide audience and remains her most cited credit.
Did Cassandra Harris have children?
Yes, she and Richard Harris had two children together. She balanced family responsibilities with her acting career throughout the 1980s.
Where was Cassandra Harris born?
She was born in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. This detail is consistently listed in biographical records and census data.