UPDATE: Mike’s Podcast read of his tribute to Phil. HERE
If you’d like to donate to the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial in honour of Captain Phil, please visit FISHERMEN’S MEMORIAL
A few years ago I was in Seattle, preparing to film the first round of After the Catch. For those of you unfamiliar with the program, After the Catch is a talk show in a bar, where The Captains and crew from Deadliest Catch gather to chat about this and that. I impersonate a moderator, and do my best to keep things on the rails. (Think Charlie Rose with cigarettes and whiskey.)
Anyway, on that first day of shooting, I arrived a few hours before filming began, and observed the kind of chaos that one can only find around a TV production. We were going to be shooting in a style called “Live to Tape,” which means we’d record the show in real time, as though it were a live production, but edit later for content. (Can you imagine filming the Captains with no time delay?) Consequently, there were at least 7 cameras positioned around the big table, and all kinds of lights hanging from the ceiling and poking through the windows. The plan was to record two shows in one afternoon. Producers and directors and cameramen and all manner of production personnel were milling about, and there was a real sense that no one actually knew what the hell was going on. Which was indeed the case.
As the Captains took their places around the table, it was clear they were not entirely sure what to expect. I can’t say they were nervous, but I can assure you that ambiguity does not sit well with men who are accustomed to being in charge. This kind of filming is the opposite of what goes on aboard their boats, and they had lots of questions about how the day would unfold. Unfortunately, I had no answers for them. (Unlike Captains, I actually prefer confusion and ambiguity – especially in television – and I told them as much. I also suggested that, being in a bar, there were any number of remedies nearby capable of taking the edge off – a completely unnecessary piece of advice, given my audience and setting.)
The only one who appeared completely at ease was Phil. He arrived at the last minute, and did so in style – cruising into the parking lot aboard a brand new motorcycle. He walked into the bar with a big smile, said hello to the gang, and then glanced at me with an amused expression. We then had the following exchange.
Me: Hey Phil, how’s it going?
Phil: Mike, I got nothing to say to you until you ride my bike.
Me: Beg your pardon?
Phil: I said that you and I have nothing to talk about until you ride my bike. Got it?
With that, Phil walked me out to his bike, tossed me his keys, crossed his arms, and waited for me to ride off. And so I did. Really, I didn’t have much of a choice.
That was Phil Harris. He had a unique kind of generosity – the kind that sprung from a genuine enthusiasm for whatever it was he chose to focus on. It could be anything. Sometimes he focused on catching crab. Sometimes he focused on his boys, Josh and Jake. In that particular moment, he was focused on the joy of riding his new motorcycle, and he wanted to share that joy with me. He insisted upon it. That’s an unusual quality I think, and a very good one.
Not long after his embolism, I ran into Phil in Las Vegas. I was giving a speech at The ConAgra Convention, and he was doing a series of appearances for a pulley company that had set up a large booth in the exhibit area. During a break, I wandered over to watch Phil talk to his fans. There were many. They had lined up to wait for an autograph and a handshake from the now famous skipper, and the line was growing at an alarming rate.
I stood behind a nearby display, unobserved, and watched Phil carefully as he interacted with his fans. Some people are better at this sort of thing than others, and Phil was very good indeed. He handled his notoriety in a completely genuine way – as though he’d always had it. He focused on every single person who waited to meet him, and found something original to say at every turn. He answered questions that were way too personal, and stayed well beyond his required time, waiting until the last person in line shook his hand, an older guy who told Phil how pleased he was for the chance to meet a genuine American hero. Phil blushed, signed the guys hat, and thanked him for waiting to say hello.
I have many memories of Phil. I wish I had more. One of my favorites was a night in LA (I think it was LA – it might have been NY. Forgive me, they all blend together now.) Regardless, it was a Discovery-sponsored event that included a bunch of their talent. Most of the Captains were there, along with me, The Mythbusters, Bear Grylls…the usual suspects. Also in attendance was David Zaslav.
David Zaslav is the CEO of Discovery Communications. He is The Big Cheese. The Head Honcho. The Top Dog. He is responsible for overseeing a dozen separate channels, and runs the leading provider of non-fiction entertainment on the face of the earth. He has become legendary, not only for what he’s accomplished in business, but also for having an attention span that rivals the life of a fruit fly. It’s true. David calls meetings that are sometimes adjourned a minute after they begin. He is very smart, and not terribly patient with those who can’t keep up. He does not sit still – ever. He is always moving. And he is constantly surrounded by people who are charged with keeping away those who might suck up his valuable time with mindless chatter.
Anyway, I was there the night David Zaslav met Phil Harris. David came hurtling through the room at the speed of sound, shaking hands and spreading sunshine. His retinue followed like the tail of a comet, and he was on his way back out the door when Phil walked in. I can swear that what I’m about to tell you is the honest truth. David and Phil shook hands, and began to chat.
Thirty seconds later, they were still talking.
A minute later – still talking.
People began to stare. Five minutes later, they were still at it. Phil was mostly listening, but David was talking intensely – and people began to speculate about what a crab boat captain and a media mogul could possibly have in common. Then, to the amazement of those who witnessed it, David and Phil wandered off to a quiet corner away from everyone else. There, they sat, and continued to talk!
This was simply unprecedented. Every few minutes, someone would slide over to extract David from this most unusual confab, but every time David would wave them away. When Phil threatened to light up indoors, David led him outside, where they remained for over an hour. Standing there. Talking. Just the two of them.
Eventually, David and Phil said their goodbyes, and Phil joined me at the bar. “Hey, you know who that was?”
“Tell me,” I said.
Phil threw back a poorly made duck fart and replied, “That was the president of the whole damn channel.”
I smiled. “Well actually, he’s the CEO of the whole damn network.”
“Is that right?” said Phil. “Well, whatever. He seems like a nice guy. Kind of chatty, but his heart’s in the right place.”
Extraordinary. In the history of time, no one has ever described David Zaslav as “chatty.”
I guess it comes down to this. The world is desperate for authenticity. In business and in real life. In work and play. We crave it I think, because it’s in such short supply. Consequently, when we see it, we’ll wait for it. We’ll watch it on TV. We’ll stand in line for a chance to be near it. Fans, fishermen, CEO’s – we know authenticity when we see it, even if we’re not looking for it. And Phil Harris had it in spades.
I didn’t know Phil well enough to properly eulogize him. However, I knew him enough to like him, and more than enough to miss him. He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic.
And one hell of a Captain.
Mike Rowe
Visit CORNELIA MARIE
Memorial – streamed live 4/30/10 at 6:30 P/9:30 ET: WEBCAST
1,232 Comments
I had read this article on Mike Rowe &our Capt.Phil Harris.I
really do like this very much on him &it was with excellent
taste.I do very much miss our Capt.Phil more than anyone will ever know. I’m also glad that my dear cousin JB Turner introduced me to this very brilliant,
Gentleman! Yes!!Phil very much one of those I do know this personally. We had talked constantly on the phone for about 2
yrs. before he passed away. I can say he was a Beautiful man inside out. I loved his ever so Golden Suave voice his wonderful smile & laugh. Yes!! we were very close on up to his passing.
He is now in the Highest of the Heavens with God now.God Bless his Family& Friends. Love always,Lori H-Smith He will forever be in my thoughts &
heart every single day for the rest of mine days.
HE WAS AN AWESOME CAPTAIN ALWAYS & FOREVER!!!!
That’s true about authenticity of people today. Most are rude and self centered. These people can play the role, but are typically transparent, shallow and follow trends. Phil was indeed authentic and passionate about what he was doing, whether family, fishing, bikes or building birdhouses. Reminds me of another guy lost too soon, Steve Irwin. Cheers guys.
Mike-
Thanks for the story. You are only one of many who were privilaged to meet Phil Harris. Just from watching Deadliest Catch and hearing many different stories about Phil, I wish I would have been able to meet him myself. Again, thanks for the story. Phil will not only be missed by his family and friends, but also all the fans of the show. He has touched so many lives and probably did not know it. Cherish the memmories of Phil that you have as we the fans will do.
Very well said, Mike. Thanks.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we lost the Captain. DC will never be the same without him.
I hope his boys are doing okay.
Good words Mike.
Awesome story Mike, you were lucky enough to be in the presence of a good man like Phil Harris. He reminded me of my father, whom I lost years ago. I wish the best for his boys, the show, and you. Please have discovery keep people like Phil and the other captains and crews in our lives, the world could use closeness & authentic rawness of these men!!!! RIP Phil you are truly missed !!!!
Mike- Aside from being what at first glance is a fantastic on air host with a phenomenal sense of humor and the ability to make anything funny, the above story about Captain Phil Harris proved you are so much more.
Beyond articulate, with the ability to bring a story to life of of a page, you are such a rare gift.
Thank you for sharing your insight and your talent with all of us.
Amy Erickson, Portland Oregon
Wow what a great story thank you for sharing it. Our world would be such a more wonderful place if we could have more genuinely, loving and caring people like Capt. Phil. My husband and I love Deadliest Catch and will miss Capt. Phil tremendously. We hope the show will be back next season to help remember the Capt Phil moments.
Mike, thank you. Capt Phil is missed and will be remembered always.
You have a way with words, Mr. Rowe, and I believe you captured an essential facet of Mr. Harris’s personality, the part of him that made those blue eyes sparkle, his genuine charm.
A well written and moving tribute. Thank you.
My husband and I watch the show regularly, I am amazed at how well Phil took action when needed involving his sons. The last show where he has to deal with Jake and addiction was so like we humans…we want to get them away…then love the hell right out of them! He was a dad to love.
Yep..the tears are real..we will truly miss him.
I get teary eyed each and every time he is shown. Blessings to his family, you and the other captains and crews. Still watching, still loving….now I have to pick a new fav…shucks.
Dear Mike, I agree with you… having watched the show for years “I knew him enough to like him, and more than enough to miss him. He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic.”
I have total respect for all the captains and crews. My heart goes out to Jake & Josh. My husband Jim had a major stroke on Oct 12, 2009, only 4 months after we got married. He was only 49 and was not expected to live. His was similar to Phil’s, other than he did not get the massive brain swelling. But we had been prepared by the Dr’s to expect it. Fortunately, Jim survived. He beat many odds and continues to progress every day. He will however be disabled the rest of his life, but he still possess his memory, sense of humor, and magnificent personality. We are very lucky. We watched these last few episodes with extreme emotions. Many of the scenes took us back to Oct. I wanted to reach through he TV and hug the boys and let them know someone can totally relate and sincerely cares . Thank you and the entire network/crew for airing his catastrophe with grace and compassion. He will never be forgotten by his fans, and fans we will be eternally. Keep up the impressive work you do for all your shows. We are immense fans of yours as well. Please extend our blessings to Jake, Josh and the entire crew for continued health and tranquillty. Sincerely, Cindy & Jim K.
Mike, I was in such shock when I heard that Phil had a stroke and then passed away. I must say that I cried as I watched this video. I never thought I would miss a person I never met or talked to, but I miss Phil. My whole family does. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings with all yours and Phil’s fans.
Mike, as others have said, that was beautiful, articulate, personal and touching. I truly enjoyed reading it and commend you for writing this piece so well, and from the heart. It’s a cliche I know, but you really have a way of bringing things to life. I enjoy you very much on “Dirty Jobs” and as the host of “Deadliest Catch” and the “After the Catch” specials.
I think you’ve done a tremendous job of facilitating the controlled chaos that comes with bringing such a group of alphas together.
Keep up the good work, and thanks for what you do. Greg
Mike- Just found this page, basically just a Your the Man for your kind words. And to Capt. Phil’s family sorry for your loss Men of his caliber are few at anytime.
That is a great story about Phil. I would have liked to have gotten the chance to meet him and drink a Duck Fart with him. I have watched every season of the show and Phil was the captain that I related to. I wish his boy’s and the crew of the Cornelia Marie the best of luck and hope everything works out for them.
Mike,
Just want to thank you for that amazing insight of Captain Phil. It brought my son’s and I to tears. We watch the show every week and all the reruns, it will be hard to watch next season with out captain Phil. But Thanks for helping with the closure to that chapter. WE WILL MISS YOU CAPTAIN!!!
Great job Mike, Capt Phil came across as the guy we love and despise at the same time. He knew his job & every job on the boat but also knew how to be a dad & a friend. I never had the pleasure of meeting Capt Phil but of all the Deadliest Catch Captains, he was the one who stuck with me the most (The Hilstrand brothers were tied for 2nd). Capt Phil will be missed but the show will go on (I hope).
Mike – well done! It’s so hard to try to put into words the passion and emotion associated with the passing of such an extraordinary individual. You did an amazing job though and are an absolute asset to the Discovery Channel! Watching these last few episodes of the Deadliest Catch have brought me to tears every time. Trying to live our lives the same way as before after the loss of someone who inspired such courage and brought so much joy will be impossible. We all will be forever changed and unified together in our grief. It had always been a dream of mine to work on the Cornelia Marie – just to prove a dainty girl from the south could kick some serious crab butt and bust ass with the rest of the crew. His passing will not be in vain as we loyal fans and now the rest of the world unite to support the entire fleet and the families we welcome into our homes weekly. Captain Phil – you are a national treasure and one of the first people I will seek out & enjoy IMMENSELY sharing a conversation with when we are all united again in Heaven. Stay strong Jake and Josh – your father taught you everything you need to know to continue to develop into the incredible men you are already becoming.
R.I.P Captain Phil XOXOXOXO
Beautifully said.
Mike, Thank you for sharing these special moments. People like Capt. Harris are so rare, and your insight as to what made him appeal to so many people, I think, was spot on.
Mike, Just want to say THANK YOU!!!
Mike this article was beautifully written. Having never met Phil it may seem to some strange for me to feel his loss, as if I had known him. Phil alway’s came across so genuine, and true. And people could totally relate to him. Hand’s down Phil was a stand up guy! who will be greatly missed by all Family, Friend’s, Fan’s,etc. What a tragic loss for us all. Just as You said “we know authenticity when we see it, what more can You say? R.I.P. Phil Harris
There are many people I would love to have a beer with. The crew of the CM and Mike Rowe are very high on the list.
WOW READING THIS MADE ME REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH CAPTAIN PHIL WILL BE MISSED.I AM A BIG FAN OF THE SHOW AND WISH I COULD HAVE MET HIM.ALL THE YEARS OF WATCHING THE SHOW I HAVE SEEN MANY PEOPLE LOSS THEIR LIVES BUT NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT CAPTAIN PHIL PASSING AWAY NOT AT SEA.MY PRAYERS AND TEARS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY. THEY TRULY LOST A REAL HERO. A MAN WHO’S HEART HEART WAS BIGGER THAN THE OCEAN THAT HE SAILED IN SHOULDN’T HAVE GONE SO SOON.GOD BLESS YOU CAPTAIN PHIL AND YOUR FAMILY
That was a very beautiful way of saying good-bye to someone that even though you didn’t know very well, it didn’t sound like it. While reading it, I though it gave me a different perspective, that you really did know Captain Harris until you said that “you really didn’t know him to give an eulogy,” I couldn’t tell you did a great job on this as well as everything you do. Thanks for the entertainment.
Too bad men this honest, genuine and admittedly flawed are so few and far between, inhabiting obscure places and only visible in the far reaches of the planet. Thank you, Discovery Channel, Mike Rowe and all crew and staff responsible for bringing these stories to the rest of us. We need more men like him. Like y’all. Especially in office.