Harry Laverne Anderson (born October 14, 1952) is an
American actor,
screenwriter,
director and
magician. He is best known for the role of Judge Harry Stone on the 1984–92
television series Night Court. In addition to eight appearances on
Saturday Night Live between 1981 and 1985, Anderson had a recurring guest role as con man Harry "The Hat" Gittes on
Cheers, toured extensively as a magician, and did several magic/comedy shows for broadcast, including
Harry Anderson's Sideshow (1987).