Rolf Harris, the once-celebrated Australian entertainer, died in May 2023 at his home in Bray, Berkshire, at the age of 93. His death certificate listed the cause as neck cancer and frailty of old age. A family statement confirmed he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones and has been laid to rest.
Harris's Prison Sentence and Release
In 2014, Harris was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison after being convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against underage girls, committed between 1968 and 1986. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, noted that Harris showed "no remorse" for his crimes. He was released on licence in 2017 after serving nearly three years behind bars at Stafford Prison.
Following his release, he faced trial for four additional indecent assault charges but was acquitted and received no further custodial sentence. He then lived in Bray, Berkshire, with his wife, sculptor Alwen Hughes.
Aftermath and Family
Alwen Hughes stood by her husband throughout his legal troubles. She passed away in the summer of 2024 at age 92, just over a year after Harris, following a stroke. Harris arrived in London in 1952 at age 21 and became a household name fronting children's television and variety programmes, including Animal Hospital. He also painted a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for her 80th birthday in 2006.
The documentary Rolf Harris: Primetime Predator on Prime Video examines his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims.
