Harisree Ashokan holds a diploma in Telecom Engineering from Anjoor, Kerala. He found work as an assistant lineman in 1984 with the Telecom Department in Cochin, Kerala. He worked until 1987, when he rose to become a lineman. His elder brother was also a telecom officer.

Harisree Ashokan was always interested in acting and was an amateur theatre actor. His style of comedy was watched by Malayalam movie director Siddique during a popular celebration day event. Siddique was impressed and cast him in his first movie, Ramji Rao Speaking.

Harisree Asokan is not a direct comedian like Jagathy Sreekumar, Innocent or Salim Kumar. He mostly acts as the hero's sidekick. He has acted as sidekick to actors like Mammooty, Mukesh, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Dileep etc.