Harris Yulin, prolific actor known for ‘Scarface,’ ‘Training Day’ and ‘Frasier,’ dies at 87
87-year-old Harris Yulin, a seasoned actor known for his work on both the stage and screen, most notably in “Scarface,” “Training Day” and “Ghostbusters II,” passed away.
On Thursday, it was confirmed by Sue Leibman, Yulin’s manager, along with his family, that Yulin passed away on Tuesday in New York due to cardiac arrest. The statement, released to The Times, described him as a pioneer among actors who deeply valued their craft, a passion that resulted in profound and memorable performances for audiences, fellow actors, and the art of acting. Additionally, the statement acknowledged his love for bird-watching and the ocean, as he was an avid birder and admirer of the sea.
1937 saw the birth of Yulin, who had an extensive and diverse acting career in films that extended over several decades. IMDb lists more than 100 roles associated with him. In some movies, he played a corrupt L.A. official working with Denzel Washington’s unethical narcotics officer in “Training Day,” a judge who was less than impressed by the supernatural investigators in “Ghostbusters II,” and a detective keen on striking deals with Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in “Scarface.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of being part of various TV shows that have left an indelible mark. From “WIOU,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “24,” “Nikita,” and “Veep” to more recent series like “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Ozark,” my resume is filled with some truly remarkable productions. In the latter part of my career, I even graced the screens of Netflix. And let’s not forget the milestone achievement in 1996 when I was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy for my role as crime boss Jerome Belasco on the hit NBC series “Frasier.
Music
The gifted musician Brian Wilson, known for penning an iconic Southern California music catalog through his series of popular hits with the Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82.
Apart from his work in TV and cinema, Yulin had a flourishing theatrical career. This spanned performances on Broadway, such as “Hedda Gabler,” “The Price,” “The Visit,” and “Watch on the Rhine,” as well as off-Broadway plays like “Hamlet,” “Arts and Leisure,” and “Rain Dance.” His stage appearances included the Court Theater and Goodman Theater in Chicago, the Gate Theatre in Dublin, and the Bay Street Theater in New York. Additionally, Yulin directed numerous plays, including “The Glass Menagerie,” “The Trip to Bountiful,” “This Lime Tree Bower,” “Men’s Lives” and “The Man Who Came to Dinner.
Yule was not only an educator but also a teacher at Juilliard, Columbia University, and HB Studio. Until his passing, he was actively working on fresh endeavors, one of which was the MGM+ series “American Classic,” featuring Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, and Jon Tenney. According to Deadline, production for the series commenced on the East Coast, with Yulin set to start filming his part this week. Unfortunately, his role will be taken over by another actor.
In a heartfelt statement, series co-creator and executive producer Michael Hoffman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Yulin, saying, “Yulin was undeniably one of the most exceptional talents I’ve had the privilege to work with.
Television
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In regards to Yulin, who collaborated with Hoffman on the 2005 film “Game 6”, Hoffman commented: “His unique blend of exceptional skill with a perpetually innovative spirit, infused his work with an unparalleled immediacy, liveliness, and purity. I’ve never encountered this anywhere else,” said Hoffman. “In addition to being an extraordinary actor, he was equally remarkable as a person – the grace, the humility, the generosity. At ‘American Classic’, we were all fortunate to have shared our journey with him. He will forever be the soul of our production.
Yulin leaves behind his loving wife, Kristen Lowman, as well as his son-in-law Ted Mineo, his nephew Martin Crane, and his godchildren Marco and Lara Greenberg. His beloved daughter, Claire Lucido, has already passed away. A memorial service will be arranged at a time to come.
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2025-06-13 00:01