(1844-1916)
The Prussian-born producer was brought to America when he was six. Starting as a jig dancer, he worked his way up in show business, eventually acquiring and managing several theatres. Through his partnerships in various enterprises with Charles Frohman, with Al Hayman, and with Klaw & Erlanger, he was involved in the formation of the Theatrical Syndicate in 1895. According to M. B. Leavitt, Billy Harris was always popular with his colleagues and had not a single enemy in the entire business of theatrical management (1912, 291). His sons William Harris Jr. and Henry B. Harris both became producers.
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.