Harris Yulin, Acclaimed Actor, Passes Away at 87 in New York City

NEW YORK CITY — Harris Yulin, the Emmy-nominated actor known for his roles in films like “Scarface” and “Clear and Present Danger,” died on June 10 of cardiac arrest. He was 87 years old, his family and manager, Sue Leibman, confirmed.

Yulin was a versatile performer whose career stretched over five decades, appearing in numerous films and television series. Despite not having a starring role that made him a household name, he was a well-respected figure in both theater and cinema. “I just do the next thing that comes along,” Yulin said during a 2010 interview with The Irish Times.

Born on November 5, 1937, in Los Angeles, Yulin was abandoned as an infant and later adopted by a Russian family, raised in a Jewish household. His passion for acting sparked during his bar mitzvah. He made his New York stage debut in 1963 and his Broadway debut in 1980 with Lillian Hellman’s “Watch on the Rhine.”

Throughout his career, Yulin appeared in significant productions, including “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “The Visit,” and “Hedda Gabler.” He also directed several plays, showcasing his dedication to the craft of acting.

Yulin left a mark on film audiences with memorable roles in “Scarface,” where he portrayed a corrupt Miami detective, and “Training Day” as a crooked cop. He also gained recognition for his comedy roles in films like “Ghostbusters II” and “Multiplicity.”

In the TV landscape, he had notable appearances on shows including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Frasier,” for which he received an Emmy nomination, and the Netflix series “Ozark,” among others.

Yulin was actively preparing to star in “American Classic,” a new series directed by Michael Hoffman, when he passed away. Hoffman praised Yulin as “one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered,” noting his unique approach to acting.

Surviving Yulin are his wife, actress Kristen Lowman, his son-in-law Ted Mineo, nephew Martin Crane, and godchildren Marco and Lara Greenberg. His daughter, actress Claire Lucido, predeceased him. A memorial service is planned for a later date.