Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr., known professionally as Harry Connick Jr., is an American singer, pianist, composer, actor, and former television host who has made significant contributions to both the music and film industries. Born on September 11, 1967, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Connick was immersed in music from a young age, influenced by the vibrant jazz scene of his hometown and the musical talents of his father, Harry Connick, Sr., and his mother, Anita, who passed away from ovarian cancer.

Connick began his career in music early, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1987. However, it was his 1990 album, "We Are in Love," that catapulted him to fame, showcasing his unique blend of jazz, pop, and big band sounds. Over the years, he solidified his status as a leading figure in the jazz genre, with notable works including the best-selling Christmas album "When My Heart Finds Christmas" (1993) and "Only You" (2004), which reached No. 5 on the U.S. charts. Connick has sold over 30 million records worldwide, earning him recognition as one of the top 60 best-selling male artists in the United States, with 16 million in certified sales. His impressive catalog includes ten number-one U.S. jazz albums, the most in the history of the U.S. jazz charts as of 2009. Throughout his career, he has garnered three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, further cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.

In addition to his music career, Connick ventured into acting, making his film debut in the 1990 World War II drama Memphis Belle. He showcased his versatility by taking on diverse roles, including a serial killer in Copycat (1995) and a fighter pilot in the blockbuster Independence Day (1996). His first leading role came in the romantic drama Hope Floats (1998) alongside Sandra Bullock. Connick also lent his voice to the animated cult classic The Iron Giant (1999) and continued to appear in films such as Basic (2003), Bug (2006), P.S. I Love You (2007) with Hilary Swank, and New in Town (2009) with Renée Zellweger.

Connick gained widespread recognition on television for his role as Leo Markus, the husband of Grace Adler, played by Debra Messing, in the hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace from 2002 to 2006. His charm and musical talent led him to host his own daytime talk show, Harry, which aired from 2016 to 2018, further showcasing his multifaceted talents.

As of 2019, Connick remains a prominent figure in music, having sold over 30 million records worldwide and continuing to perform and tour. He has been married to model Jill Goodacre since April 16, 1994, and the couple shares three children. With a career spanning more than three decades, Harry Connick Jr. has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, celebrated for his contributions to both music and film.