Australian-born entertainer and sex offender Rolf Harris died aged 93 at his home in Berkshire on May 10th. According to his death certificate, the cause of death was neck cancer and the "frailty of old age."
In a statement released by his family, Harris died "peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest." The family also asked for privacy, and no further comments would be made at this time.
Entertainment fame
Harris arrived in London in 1952 and began his career on the BBC as a presenter for a number of children's TV and variety shows. He also worked with The Beatles and hosted a series about animals and art.
In 2006, he painted a portrait for the late Queen Elizabeth II to mark her 80th birthday.
In addition, Harris both received the Order of the British Empire and was awarded the Order of Australia. He was also awarded a BAFTA fellowship for his entertainment career.
Road to infamy
Harris was said to have sexually assaulted girls within the span of his career. It was alleged that he sexually abused at least four British teenage girls between 1968 and 1986.
According to The West Australian, a plumber discovered a stash of child abuse videos under the floorboard of Harris's southeast London home in the 1970s but has not told authorities until Operation Yewtree gained publicity in 2012.
Harris was arrested in 2013 after police discovered child and adult pornography searches on his computer.
During his trial, prosecutors told the court that Harris had a "Jekyll and Hyde" personality, using his fame to get away with his offenses.
Harris was sentenced to more than five years' imprisonment but was released on parole in 2017. Upon conviction, he was stripped of all honors, appointments, and awards.
After he was released from prison, Harris disappeared into obscurity at his home in Berkshire in southern England.
He never apologized to his victims while he was still alive.
