Ross Harris, Child Star of 'Airplane!', Is Unrecognizable Decades After Iconic Role

Ross Harris, the actor who played a precocious child in the 1980 comedy "Airplane!," was recently spotted in Los Angeles, appearing significantly changed from his earlier acting days. Now 57, Harris sported white hair and a close-cropped beard, making him nearly unrecognizable to those familiar with his childhood performances.

Harris was seen getting a car wash and lunch, dressed in a casual black linen shirt, brown trousers, and beige boat shoes. He began his career at age six, appearing in over 100 commercials and television movies in the mid-to-late 1970s. His breakthrough role came in 1979 when he was cast in "Airplane!" The film, a spoof of disaster movies, became a major box-office success, grossing $170 million worldwide.

Following "Airplane!," Harris had guest roles on popular television shows such as "Little House on the Prairie," "CHiPs," and "TJ Hooker." He also demonstrated his acting range in the 1983 Oscar-nominated post-apocalyptic drama "Testament." In the film, he played the teenage son of a family navigating the aftermath of a nuclear attack.

Transition to Music and Photography

In the 1990s, Harris transitioned away from acting and began focusing on music. He was a member of the electronic music group Sukia, which toured with bands like Beck and Stereolab. Later, he co-founded the group DJ Me DJ You and also directed music videos for artists such as Elliott Smith.

Beyond music, Harris has established himself as an in-demand photographer. His notable clients include Zendaya, Laura Dern, Pharrell, and Lily Collins, and he has worked with brands like Levi's, Adidas, and Lancôme. He also collaborated with Beck on his first two albums, contributing as a musician and photographer.

Harris made a rare on-screen appearance in an episode of MTV's "Jackass," where he was credited as Ross Angeles. He has largely remained out of the public eye in recent years, focusing on his photography career.