Harris Yulin, the celebrated actor known for his roles in Scarface and Ozark, passed away at 87, marking the end of a remarkable career that left an indelible imprint on Hollywood and Broadway alike.
At a Glance
- Yulin died of cardiac arrest in New York City at 87.
- Known for iconic roles in “Scarface,” “Clear and Present Danger,” and TV series like “Ozark.”
- He received an Emmy nomination for his role in “Frasier” and a Drama Desk nomination for Broadway’s “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
- Yulin’s dedication to his craft was evident in his lifelong acting career and ongoing projects.
A Storied Career
Harris Yulin’s passing closes a chapter on one of the most colorful careers in entertainment history. Born in Los Angeles on November 5, 1937, Yulin’s life took a transformative turn during his bar mitzvah, where the spark of acting ignited within him. His journey as a performer commenced with his New York stage debut in 1963, advancing to his Broadway debut with Lillian Hellman’s “Watch on the Rhine” in 1980.
Yulin transitioned seamlessly between stage and screen, crafting unforgettable performances such as in the crime drama “Scarface,” “Clear and Present Danger,” and “Training Day.” His television roles, including those in “Frasier,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and Netflix’s thriller, “Ozark,” demonstrated his wide-ranging versatility. His talent was honored with an Emmy nomination in 1996 for his guest-starring role in “Frasier.”
Lasting Legacy On and Off-Broadway
Yulin’s significant contributions to American theatre are not easily summarized. His Broadway achievements included performances in “The Visit,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “The Price,” and “Hedda Gabler.” His non-Broadway credits were equally prolific with electric performances in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” His mastery and commitment resonated through the plays he directed, notably “The Glass Menagerie” and “The Trip to Bountiful,” undying evidence of his leadership and creative vision.
“Harris Yulin was very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered.” – Michael Hoffman.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Yulin’s personal ties influenced many. Predeceased by his daughter, Claire Lucido, and first wife, Gwen Welles, Yulin is survived by his wife Kristen Lowman, son-in-law Ted, nephew Martin, and godchildren Marco and Lara. A memorial service shall celebrate his life and achievements at a later date.
An Ongoing Legacy
The profound impact of Yulin’s work continues beyond his lifetime. Not just an actor of the present, Yulin demonstrated plans to craft a creative future with ongoing projects in the works until his final days, like “American Classic” with actors Kevin Kline and Laura Linney. Michael Hoffman, a close collaborator, noted, “All of us at American Classic have been blessed by our experience with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.” A sentiment echoing in the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness his artistry.
“His marriage of immense technique with an always fresh sense of discovery gave his work an immediacy and vitality and purity I’ve experienced nowhere else. And what he was as an actor, he was as a man, the grace, the humility, the generosity. All of us at American Classic have been blessed by our experience with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.” – Michael Hoffman.
Harris Yulin’s extraordinary contributions to the arts persist as guiding light for actors and audiences worldwide, illustrating how passion and dedication create legacies that transcend lifetimes.
