RIP Donald Lee Harris

 

Donald Lee Harris passes away: Production designer on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘The Office’ and many more shows at 78

 

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By Johnny Rodrigues

November 4, 2022

 

Donald Lee Harris, Long gray’s anatomy Production Designer with credits office, american housewife, malcolm in the middle and dozens of other shows, died of cancer on November 1, his family told Deadline. He was 78 years old.

Harris made his debut gray’s anatomy Staying with the show through Season 3 in 2006 and the Season 11 finale in 2015, the ABC hospital drama spanned over 200 episodes. His most recent gig was on the 2016-21 ABC sitcom american housewife, Its working on all 103 episodes.

Harris’ final agent, Amanda Pecora-Sutfein, said in a social media post, “He rarely let anything flap his wings, and was lauded for his incredible design skills, calm and kind demeanor.” “He’d just say, “Okay, okay” when someone else would tear their hair out when there was a last minute change. He loved designing and his passion will undoubtedly live on through his work. … Donald’s design skills has informed future generations of designers, and inspired those who work with them.”

Harris began his career in the 1970s, first in the art department for an episode of the hit variety series Donnie and Mary and then as an art director on films meat gordon – in which he received his only acting credit – and swap Meet. He worked in that role for other 1980s pictures such as movers and shakers and aloha summer and received his first production designer credits on a pair of mid-’80s TV movies and features can’t buy me love And World Gone Wild.

As a PD, he worked mostly on telefilms and miniseries – including Babe Ruth, Billy the Kid And Love, Lies and Murder – 1991–92 before landing his first series gig with the NBC science-fiction drama Erie, Indiana. Harris continued to work mostly on TV films in the ’90s before landing a production designer job at Fox. Malcolm in the middle in 2000. He will work on 60 of the series’ 151 episodes spanning all seven seasons.

“Donald Lee Harris was one of the most creative, patient and hardworking artists I have ever known.” Malcolm in the middle Producer Linwood Boomer said in a statement to Deadline. “Two decades ago, he showed everyone in television how great single-camera comedy can be. Everyone who worked with him would miss him.”

He left that gig to work as a PD on the six-episode first season of the NBC comedy The Office, his next job was Grey’s Anatomy.

In 2016, Harris served as production designer on the short-lived 2016 Fox comedy Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Living Life, he rejoined American housewife As production designer for its 2016 pilot and stayed through the series led by Katy Mixon through its finale.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Harris, and children Travis and Vanessa. Funeral arrangements were not made.

Here is the full text of Pechora-Suttfen’s tribute to Harris:

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of a great loss in the creative world. Production designer, husband, father, friend and brilliant mind, Donald Lee Harris passed away yesterday after being surrounded by his loving family, ending his heroic battle with cancer.

I personally had the pleasure of working with Donald on “Grey’s Anatomy,” his first job in the film industry. He rarely let anything flap his wings and I not only admired his design, I was always impressed by his calm and kind demeanor. He’ll just say, “Okay.” Someone would want to rip their hair out when there was a last minute change.

Years later, I had the honor of working with Donald as his agent. I will never forget what it was like to work with someone whom I admired so much early in my career. He loved designing and his passion will undoubtedly live on through his work. From “Can’t Buy Me Love” to “Malcolm in the Middle” to “The Office” and “American Housewife” and everything in between, Donald’s designs will serve not only to future generations of designers, but to those who work with him. also speaks for Even more, those who invited their work into their homes while making quality time with their families while enjoying their favorite TV series or feature film. Those of us who come from the world of entertainment often forget how these simple moments in time create a feeling of being remembered. As we grow up, we can often remember childhood memories of sitting among the family in front of the television with a shared popcorn bowl. There’s something universal about those moments where we allow ourselves to break away from daily stress and responsibilities, and into a world made for that peace… a world in which our imaginations can run wild. Despite having a highly stressful career path that extends far beyond Hollywood glam and red carpet attire, there aren’t many professions in which creating another world is the entire essence of the job description… Donald has dedicated his life to doing just that. Gave. He created a wonderful “world” for our enjoyment, while still raising a family and creating a beautiful home and life with his beautiful wife, best friend and soul mate Laurie.

I was admiring an incredible sunset last evening when I heard the news… The weight of this unbearable loss made me pause and express my gratitude for those who cross our paths, making a huge impact along the way. I realized in that moment, a sunset that was bright with rosy hues and moody blues, would be the image I would hold in my heart and mind as I honor Donald’s memory. The infinite New Mexico skies, the ever-changing beauty, the vibrant palette, are all part of the set we call “life.” When I asked Donald’s family if there was a photo I could share with this tribute, I found it the perfect representation of the kind and thoughtful man I had the pleasure of calling my “friend.” It beautifully depicts his nature as well as the passing of the rainbow. Rest in peace dear friend.

HARRIS, Donald Lee

Born: 8/13/1944, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.

Died: 11/1/2022, Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.A.

 

Donald Lee Harris’ westerns – production designer:

Gore Vidal’s Billy the Kid (TV) – 1989

Montana (TV) - 1990