Deadliest Catch Star: It Was "Difficult" to See Dad Die on TV
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More than 8.5 million viewers tuned in to see the touching last moments between Deadliest Catch star Josh Harris and his father, Phil, who died in February after suffering complications from a stroke.
But despite his grief, crab fisherman Josh tells UsMagazine.com he's glad the show was able to capture the intimate scene in the show's July 13 episode.
"They taped the last conversation I had with my dad," Josh tells Us. "I remember leaving the hospital and it really sucked. It was very difficult for me."
Sadly, seeing his father's passing replayed on television didn't provide the closure Josh was hoping for -- though he admits it has helped preserve his father's memory.
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"I think it's like, I keep thinking this whole thing is a joke. Like he's going to pop out of the woodwork somewhere and say "I got you good, f***er," and come back to work," Josh says. "But that's not going to happen. I got to see what I got to say to him in the last little bit and I actually feel very grateful and fortunate for that."
After refusing to work alongside his father for years, Josh admits he's grateful he braved the waters with his dad on the Cornelia Marie.
"We became best buddies, working partners," Josh tells Us. "We just generally spent time and got to hang out and learn who each other were. It was an awesome thing to have gotten that opportunity."
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But after tonight's season finale (airing on Discovery at 9 P.M.), the single fisherman, 26, says he hopes to trade the icy waters for a warmer, sunnier climate -- and a healthier lifestyle.
"My first plan is to take a vacation somewhere warm with drinks with little umbrellas in them. Preferably the only crab I'll see will be in a cartoon!" Josh tells Us. "I just want to relax for a little bit. I have also started on a wellness kick. I am trying to quit smoking and [my brother] Jake's trying to follow suit. Smoking is what killed my father so we're going around the U.S. helping people know about what problems and effects happen when you start smoking. We want to use our celebrity to help people stop smoking and just more than that, just be healthy. We want to help try and save people's lives."
Tell Us What You Think
42i know its a hard deal, ive been in your shoes, i lost my dad the same way. i lost my brother the same way, i lost my little sister to cancer, this year and she never smoked, good luck with your tours across america, hey jake stay clean, do it for yourself. go catch some marlin down in the keys or the carribean, god bless,. a true fan
My dad worked in Alaska years ago putting in the DEW line (Distant Early Warning), maybe that's why I love the show. I was so emotional when Phil died, I watched the same episode like 3 times wishing the ending would come out differently. I've lost both my parents and my husband is not in good health. He won't quit smoking. I applaud Phil's sons for doing the healthy thing - they rock!
Awesome book on how to moderately stop smoking. "Speed Limits to a No Smoking Zone."
Im happy that "Josh" allowed the taping of his late dads medical situation. That will tell others how important it is to cherish family,,and kick bad habits. Stress is so harmful to the human body. RIP.Capt Phil..
I knew Phil was going to die and yet when it finally aired I cried. He will be missed by many. My heart goes out to Josh and Jake. Please stop smoking guys, if not for yourselves for your dad.
It will take a long time to get over the lose of your father. I lost my dad December 18, 2009 and I still look at pictures, talk about him or think of something we should be doing at this time of year and tear up. All I can say is you and Jake need to be there for each other and let other people in when needed. My heart goes out to you, your brother and all of Phil's other family and friends.
Capt Phil was always my favorite guy. Loved his sense of humor and compassion for life. You boys were very lucky.
Josh and Jake, I myself cannot Thank you both enough for sharing your grief with us as viewers. You both are admired by all of us. It took alot of courage to share your fathers illness and passing. You are All a part of our family and my Heart is broke. I shed many tears but know that your Father is looking down and most likely thinking, "Hey you F***s, keep er going and don't forget those crab farts and remember me always and what you've learned and cheers to my Brothers." God Bless YOU All!!!
Hang in there,so glad you are trying to get healthy. I think your Dad would be so proud of you guys. I know the pain is tough but one day you'll just have the good memories without all of the sadness. Stay healthy and happy!
Coach Quit says good-bye... Phil Harris will be remembered by many. I hope they keep the show in re-runs. I worked on a party boat as a kid in the Gulf of Mexico. We caught mostly snapper. So, the show has added meaning for me. When I watched Phil though, I kept thinking I wish I could get my Coach Quit System over to him. Man he sounds bad. I will offer Phils' kids any help I can with quitting smoking. Coach Quit is FREE and available at iTunes. Coach Quit
Love this show and their family-they are in my prayers!
I lost my Father four years ago so I understand the pain that Josh and Jake are going through. It is a feeling and a loss that it seems never really gets easier. Phil was an amazing Father from what the world saw and it was obvious that he loved his boys very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Josh, I've watched your family on Deadliest Catch from the 1st episode on. I miss your dad, and I feel I knew him, we had lots in common, my favorite thing is INXS! You make us all proud, and I know you will carry on your dad's legacy with pride, we are all wishing your family nothing but the best. I know Phil is watching, and will always be with you.
Cornelia Marie is my fav boat, Capt Phill will be missed.
My heart goes out to these boys. I lost my Dad unexpectedly 2 years ago and trust me that wound is deep. I cried like a baby watching the fall of their father. Rest In Peace Capt. Phil. The show will never be the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family.
I was very sad to hear of Phil back in Feb. I watched this show when I'd go to lunch becuase that's what they had on. I grew to LOVE the show...reality TV without all the fake plots...whoda thunk it!!! I showed it to my boys a few weeks ago while we were camping and they are hooked too. Now, we even have my husband hooked. Who would have ever thought some show about crab fishing would be such a hit. I hope both boys find their way and I really wish they would come back for the next season...it won't be the same without someone from that family taking over for Phil. RIP my man...
Josh, I am sorry for the loss of your father and friend. I can't tell how many times I have seen people die, and those I love as well. There is no graceful way to experience death, but there are peaceful ways people leave others with a sense of awe. When you are certain where you are going after this life, and there is a comfort you have shared with those you love; this combined 'enjoyment' stimulates the relationship you shared and will share with others in the future. My symapathies to your family and friends.
That is wonderful the brothers want to get healthy and help others. It is so sad about their father's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with them and their family's. I know he passed in Feburary, but seeing it all on the show the other night seems bitter sweet and my heart broke for them. I am glad that he and Phil got to say what they needed to say to each other. That was a touching moment.
Meant to include that I think it's great that the Harris brothers are going to share their story with others to try to get them to change their unhealthy habits so they might not have to go through such heartache losing a family member in such a difficult way. I lost my grandfather to complications from a stroke; he was unable to speak to us after the second stoke so we developed eye winks and nods to have our conversations. Getting a glimpse of your final conversation with your dad, and seeing you rub his hand, took me right back to my grandpa's bedside. Again, thank you for sharing this time and I wish you and your family peace. I recommend Playa Del Carmen for that warm vacation place. :o)
Thank you Harris family for sharing such a private moment with your fans. I wish you all peace and comfort. Captain Phil will always be with you all and probably get a good chuckle seeing Josh with a fruity umbrella drink. :o) Something that really touched me on tonight's season finale was the depth of feelings for Phil from all the guys, not just his own crew. That speaks volumes for the kind of guy he really was. RIP Captain - many thoughts to the Harris family.