This razor-thin, eccentric comic actor struggled for several years playing "freaks, losers and perverts" before hitting the big time as the squinty-eyed, naive space alien Harry Solomon on the sitcom "3rd Rock From the Sun" (NBC, 1996-2001). Stewart got his start touring with regional theaters, then played Yogi Bear in Hanna-Barbera's Shakey Quakey Tour. Although he earned his union card, he was fired for removing the head of his costume in front of a group of children. Stewart first gained critical attention for off-center roles in the Los Angeles stage productions "Pot Mom", "Party Mix" and "Happy Times Xmas."Stewart made his TV debut as Razor Dee, a spaced-out DJ on the syndicated "The New WKRP in Cincinnati" (1992-1993). He also appeared in guest spots on "Seinfeld", "The Larry Sanders Show", as the weird intern, and had a recurring role in the CBS sitcom "The Boys Are Back". He was then cast as the most childlike of aliens in "3rd Rock". Playing brilliantly off fellow cast members (notably John Lithgow and Kristen Johnston), Stewart showed a gift for physical comedy ("Harry is a broad-based character drawn from silent films, of which I have a huge collection").
Thus far, Stewart's involvement in film has been minor. His first role was as a lieutenant in the sci-fi thriller "Stargate" (1994) followed by bit parts in "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995) and "Broken Arrow" (1996). He had better roles in independent films, including the leads in the low-budget WWII drama "The Poison Tasters" and the frat-house comedy "Glory Daze" (both 1995). Since his TV success, Stewart has garnered the much larger supporting role of Happy in "McHale's Navy" (1997).
Profession(s):
Actor
Sometimes Credited As:
Family
step-son:Henry Lee Hopper (born in September 1990)
wife:Katherine LaNasa (born c. 1966; met when she made guest appearance on "3rd Rock From the Sun"; married on May 19, 1998 in Las Vegas; was a principal dancer with the Karole Armitage Ballet of New York; formerly married (1989-92) to actor Dennis Hopper with whom she has a son)
Education
West Texas State University Canyon, Texas
American Academy of Dramatic Arts Pasadena, California BFA theater arts 1985
2000 Voiced Bob in the controversial and short-lived NBC animated series "God, the Devil and Bob"
1999 Had leading role in the comedy "Love Stinks"
1995 First starring role in features "The Poison Tasters"
1994 Film debut in "Stargate"
1992 - 1993 TV debut as regular on "The New WKRP in Cincinnati" (syndicated)
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM
Began career with appearances in regional stage productions, including "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Macbeth"
Worked at Hanna-Barbera's Shakey Quakey Tour as Yogi Bear to earn his Screen Actors Guild card; fired for removing the head of his costume in front of children
Had recurring role on the CBS sitcom "The Boys Are Back"
Played one of the aliens in human form in the NBC sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun"
