Veteran actor Harris Yulin, known for iconic roles in Scarface, Clear and Present Danger, and Ozark, has died at 87 from cardiac arrest. A look back at his remarkable career.
Harris Yulin, Renowned Actor of Stage and Screen, Dies at 87
New York City — August 2025 — Harris Yulin, the commanding and versatile character actor whose career spanned over five decades, has passed away at the age of 87. The cause was cardiac arrest.
Born November 5, 1937, in Los Angeles, Yulin discovered his passion for acting early, studying in New York before becoming a respected teacher at Juilliard. His stage career included standout performances in Shakespeare, Chekhov, and contemporary dramas, where his deep voice and magnetic stage presence earned widespread acclaim.
A Career of Powerful Roles
Yulin was known for portraying figures of authority, complexity, and moral ambiguity. His film credits include:
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Mel Bernstein in Scarface (1983)
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The judge in Ghostbusters II (1989)
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CIA Director Cutter in Clear and Present Danger (1994)
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A corrupt official in Training Day (2001)
On television, he delivered memorable guest roles on Frasier and Law & Order, and earned a new generation of fans as Buddy Dieker in Netflix’s Ozark.
Legacy and Influence
Beyond the screen, Yulin was deeply respected in the theater world, praised for his precision, authority, and ability to imbue even minor roles with depth. Colleagues often remarked that he could “elevate a scene simply by walking into it.”
Harris Yulin’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of timeless character acting. His body of work—spanning decades, genres, and mediums—stands as a testament to a career built on dedication, craft, and authenticity.
He leaves behind a legacy admired by peers and audiences worldwide.