Farewell to Powerhouse Actor Harris Yulin: A Legend of Broadway and Hollywood
Actor Harris Yulin, famed for his role in 'Scarface', passes away at the age of 87. - Actor Harris Yulin, famed for his role in "Scarface," passes away at 87.
Get ready to say goodbye to a legendary actor who left his mark on both Hollywood and Broadway. Harris Yulin, a versatile character actor known for his commanding presence, passed away due to a heart attack on June 10 in New York City. He was 87 years old.
Born on November 5, 1937, in Los Angeles, Yulin's career spanned over 100 film and TV productions, as well as numerous standout performances on the historic Broadway stages. Yulin first graced the Broadway stage in 1963 with "Next Time I'll Sing to You." However, it wasn't until his 1980 revival of "Watch on the Rhine" that he truly catapulted to prominence. Yulin's notable Broadway appearances continued with productions such as "The Visit," "The Diary of Anne Frank," "The Price," and "Hedda Gabler," in 2001.
Emmy-Nominated Television Icon
Yulin's distinctive appearance and powerful talent made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood. He appeared in a slew of famous films, including "Scarface," "Ghostbusters II," "Training Day," "Rush Hour 2," "The Firm," and "Hurricane." On television, Yulin's Emmy-nominated guest role in "Frasier" in 1996 brought him widespread recognition. He also made impressive appearances on "Ozark," "Billions," "Veep," and "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt."
Before his passing, Yulin continued his acting career with his most recent role in last year's film "Omni Loop." Yulin also pursued a career as a director, teaching film at the prestigious Juilliard School and various universities.
Mastering New Projects Just Weeks Before His Passing
Weeks before his death, Yulin was in the midst of preparing for his role in the MGM+ series "American Classic," alongside Kevin Kline and Laura Linney. Director Michael Hoffman, with whom Yulin worked on the 2005 film "Game 6," paid tribute to the late actor, stating, "Harris Yulin was simply one of the greatest artists I've ever known. His combination of immense technique with a fresh sense of discovery gave his work a directness, vitality, and purity that I've never seen anywhere else. And what he was as an actor, he was as a person: grace, humility, generosity."
Yulin's Broadway repertoire was marked by his versatility as both an actor and director. His command of elevated language and dramatic roles earned him recognition in productions like "Watch on the Rhine," as well as works by Tennessee Williams and Henrik Ibsen. Off-Broadway and Chicago productions were directed by Yulin, with the "The Trip to Bountiful" at the Signature Theatre earning four Lucille Lortel Awards for the show.
Rest in peace, Harris Yulin, a true legend of the stage and screen.
I'm not gonna let you go without appreciating his last project, as Harris Yulin was busy mastering his role in the MGM+ series "American Classic" just weeks before his passing. Despite his illustrious career in Hollywood, it's his incredible Broadway performances that truly set him apart, such as in "The Visit," "The Diary of Anne Frank," and "Hedda Gabler." His versatility as an actor and director, combined with his captivating presence on stage, made him an icon of both entertainment and celebrities.
