Harris Yulin, a respected and prolific presence on both stage and screen for over six decades, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, at the age of 87. The esteemed actor died of cardiac arrest in New York City, as confirmed by his representative. A memorial service is scheduled to take place at a later date.
In a heartfelt statement, Yulin’s family described him as “part of the vanguard of a generation who cared passionately about the craft of acting,” adding that his “deep, lifelong dedication led to extraordinary, resonant performances that were a gift to audiences, the actors he worked with, and the art of acting itself.”
Beyond his distinguished career, the family shared personal insights about the actor’s life, noting that he was “an avid birder and lover of the sea,” revealing a quieter, reflective side of the man behind the characters.
A Career Marked by Depth and Range
Harris Yulin’s vast body of work is a testament to his incredible versatility and depth. He first rose to widespread recognition in the 1980s with his chilling portrayal of a corrupt official in the cult crime classic Scarface (1983). He followed that up with memorable appearances in films such as Ghostbusters II (1989) and Looking for Richard (1996), where he brought gravitas and presence to every role he embodied.
Television also benefited greatly from Yulin’s talents. In 1996, he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his guest appearance on the hit comedy Frasier. More recently, he earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination as part of the ensemble cast of the Netflix drama Ozark, playing Charles Wilkes, a shadowy political figure whose cool composure masked a ruthless agenda.
Throughout his career, Yulin made appearances on numerous acclaimed series including Veep, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, 24, Entourage, and And Just Like That…, among others. His deep voice, piercing eyes, and commanding presence made him a favorite for complex roles that demanded emotional nuance and moral ambiguity.
A Final Role in the Works
Tragically, Yulin had not slowed down even in his late eighties. According to his family, he was preparing to begin filming a new project just days before his passing. He had been cast in a starring role in the MGM+ series American Classic, directed by Michael Hoffman and featuring a stellar cast including Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, and Jon Tenney.
“[Harris] was delighted to be working on this with Michael Hoffman, who had directed Harris in the film Game 6 in 2005,” the statement said. “And he went out swinging.”
This final project would have added another chapter to a career already filled with critically lauded performances and collaborations with some of the most respected names in film, television, and theater.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Harris Yulin began his acting career in the 1960s, quickly making a name for himself in theater before moving into film and television. He earned respect across the entertainment industry for his intense preparation, intellectual approach to his roles, and his ability to command a scene without ever overshadowing his fellow actors.
Yulin’s personal life was marked by both love and loss. He was married to actress Gwen Welles until her passing in 1993. He later married actress Kristen Lowman, who survives him. He also dated Oscar-winning actress Faye Dunaway, his co-star in the 1971 Western Doc, where he portrayed the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp.
Yulin was predeceased by his daughter, actress Claire Lucido, whose passing deeply affected him. He is survived by his wife Kristen Lowman, son-in-law Ted Mineo, nephew Martin Crane, and godchildren Marco and Lara Greenberg.
An Actor’s Actor
Throughout his career, Yulin was known as “an actor’s actor”—a consummate professional who inspired admiration and loyalty among colleagues. He was deeply involved in the theater world, appearing in a range of Shakespearean and contemporary productions and mentoring younger actors along the way. His work on stage included performances in plays by Arthur Miller, Harold Pinter, and Eugene O’Neill.
Despite never being a conventional leading man, Yulin possessed a magnetic intensity that made every role he played unforgettable. His characters often stood at the crossroads of power and morality, and his portrayals frequently lingered in the minds of audiences long after the credits rolled.
Remembering Harris Yulin
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of Harris Yulin, tributes continue to pour in from fellow actors, directors, and fans who were moved by his performances and presence. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of actors who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their craft.
Whether playing a crooked judge, a troubled politician, a Shakespearean noble, or a weary patriarch, Yulin brought authenticity, strength, and elegance to the screen. In an age of fleeting fame, he carved out a career defined not by celebrity but by substance.
His family’s words serve as a fitting epitaph: “He went out swinging.”
Harris Yulin may have taken his final bow, but his body of work will continue to inspire, entertain, and educate for generations to come.
