R. Keith Harris

R. Keith Harris was born in Tennessee and raised in North Carolina. From an early age, he showed an interest in acting, a passion that he pursued through his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Radio and Television Production and Theatre from Western Carolina University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Acting with a concentration in Film from UNC-Greensboro. During his graduate studies, Harris distinguished himself by competing in the Southeastern Theater Conference, becoming one of 16 individuals nationally to advance to the Irene Ryan scholarship competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. There, he was one of three scholarship winners, which led to further study in stage combat with the Society Of American Fight Directors. This foundational training provided a robust start to his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.

Over his career, Harris has accumulated over 70 film and television credits, demonstrating a diverse acting range. He has taken on significant roles in various productions, working with prominent actors such as Robert Redford, Emma Thompson, Burt Reynolds, and Mickey Rooney. Notable television roles include Dr. Harlan Carson in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” from 2016 to 2018, where he appeared in 7 episodes, and Martin Willis in the 2021 TV mini-series “Dopesick” for 5 episodes. His film work encompasses projects like “A Walk in the Woods” (2015) as Sam Bryson and “Shifting Gears” (2018) as Tom Williamson, a film he also wrote and produced. Beyond acting, Harris is also recognized for his contributions as a writer and producer. He has written for projects like “See/Saw” (2022) and “Shifting Gears” (2018), and produced works including “See/Saw” (2022) and “Harvest” (2005). He also owns Magnified Productions, a company dedicated to assisting local businesses and healthcare organizations with their production needs. Residing in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his family, Harris continues to be an active presence in the film and television landscape, both in front of and behind the camera.

In addition to his acting and production work, R. Keith Harris holds a position as a faculty member in the School of Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he imparts his extensive industry knowledge to emerging talent. He is also the founder of the Triad Actors Co-op, an initiative focused on helping actors refine their craft and prepare for professional opportunities in show business. These roles highlight his commitment to mentorship and the development of the next generation of actors and filmmakers. His engagement in these educational and community-focused ventures underscores his dedication to the broader artistic community while maintaining an active professional career.