Harry Knowles was born on November 12, 1971 in Austin, Texas. He grew up in Austin and Seymour, Texas as the son of Jarrell Knowles and Helen Harrison Knowles. Knowles had a passion for movies from a young age, thanks to his father who introduced him to classic films.
Before becoming a prominent figure in the film industry, Knowles operated a business called Jay's 20th Century Esoterica with his father and sister. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the world of cinema.
Knowles rose to fame as the founder of the popular film website Ain't It Cool News. The site quickly gained a cult following for its honest and unfiltered movie reviews. Knowles's unique voice and passion for cinema set him apart from other critics in the industry.
In addition to running Ain't It Cool News, Knowles co-founded two film festivals in Austin, Texas: Fantastic Fest and the Butt-Numb-A-Thon. These festivals became known for showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing films, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world.
Throughout his career, Knowles faced criticism for allegedly bending to pressure from Hollywood executives to write positive reviews of poorly received films. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his integrity as a critic and continued to share his love for cinema with his readers.
In 2007, Knowles married Patricia Cho Jones, cementing their bond and partnership. Their relationship provided stability and support for Knowles as he navigated the highs and lows of his career.
Knowles's influence extended beyond his work in film criticism. He was portrayed by actor Ethan Suplee in the 2009 comedy film Fanboys, further solidifying his status as a pop culture icon.
Throughout his journey in the film industry, Harry Knowles remained true to his passion for movies and commitment to his readers. His impact on the world of cinema continues to be felt, inspiring a new generation of film enthusiasts to embrace the magic of storytelling on the silver screen.