Sitcom star dies

Anderson, goofy ‘Night Court’ judge, 65

HARRY ANDERSON, a veteran TV actor who played the eccentric. amiable judge on the NBC sitcom “Night Court,” was found dead in his North Carolina home Monday. He was 65.

Anderson, who was born in Newport, R. I., grew up in New York and moved to Oregon when he was a teenager. A self-proclaimed hippie, he kicked around the country, supporting himself as a street magician until his big break with appearances on “Saturday Night Live” in the early 1980s.

His best-known role came as Judge Harry Stone on “Night Court,” whose off-the-wall personality included an obsession with singer Mel Torme — a frequent guest star on the show — a talent for magic tricks and a collection of loud, Art Deco ties.

The role earned him three Emmy nominations over the show’s nineseason run from 1984 to 1992.

Anderson, who starred in the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World” in the early ’90s, also had memorable supporting roles on several other NBC comedies, including “Cheers” — as slippery con man Harry (The Hat) Gittes — “The John Show” and “30 Rock.”

He also made a dozen appearances on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show,” showing off his latest tricks.

Asheville, N.C., police responded to Anderson’s home before 8 a.m. Monday. Police do not suspect foul play. Larroquette