Harris Yulin, the Emmy-nominated actor known for his unforgettable roles in Scarface, Ghostbusters II, and Ozark, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.
The veteran performer died in New York on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack, his family and longtime manager Sue Leibman confirmed. Though best known to millions for his film and TV work, Yulin was a true Broadway legend with a career that spanned six decades and countless standing ovations.
Born in 1937 in Los Angeles, Harris Yulin first stepped onto the New York stage in 1963 with James Saunders’ Next Time I’ll Sing to You. But it wasn’t until 1980 that he officially made his Broadway debut in the revival of Lillian Hellman’s Watch on the Rhine. From there, his theater career exploded. He brought raw power and depth to every stage production he touched, including classics like Hedda Gabler, The Price, and The Visit. His commanding presence and intense style made him a sought-after force in live theater.
In Hollywood, Yulin was no less iconic. In Brian De Palma’s Scarface (1983), he memorably played Mel Bernstein, a corrupt cop tangled in Tony Montana’s violent rise. And in Ghostbusters II (1989), he appeared as Judge Stephen Wexler, the famously fiery courtroom figure in one of the sequel’s wildest scenes. These roles cemented his place in pop culture forever.
But Yulin’s ability to bring complexity to sinister or morally ambiguous characters wasn’t limited to blockbusters. He tackled roles in films like Multiplicity, Game 6, Wanderland, All Square, and Candy Mountain. Whether it was drama, crime, or dark comedy, Harris always brought depth, grit, and honesty.
He was also a familiar face on the small screen. One of his most widely praised TV performances came in the Netflix hit Ozark, where he had a significant role that introduced him to a new generation of viewers. Long before that, though, he snagged an Emmy nomination in 1996 for his guest role in Frasier, proving his ability to deliver both sharp drama and smart comedy with equal finesse.
Even behind the scenes, Yulin’s artistry didn’t stop. He directed a range of theatrical productions, including The Glass Menagerie at Guild Hall and The Trip to Bountiful by Horton Foote. His work as a director was praised for the same qualities that defined his acting, emotional honesty, sharp insight, and a deep respect for storytelling.
In a bittersweet twist, Yulin had just been preparing to start work this week on American Classic, a new MGM+ series directed by Michael Hoffman. He was set to star alongside Kevin Kline and Laura Linney, an opportunity he was deeply excited about, according to his family. Hoffman, devastated by the loss, led the tributes with powerful words.
“Harris Yulin was very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered,” Hoffman shared. “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. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.”
Yulin’s passing is a major blow to both the film and theater worlds. His passion for the craft, combined with his fierce integrity and humility, made him a beloved figure across generations of performers and fans alike. He was that rare artist whose name may not always be in the headlines, but whose work always left a mark.
He is survived by his wife, Kristen Lowman; son-in-law, Ted Mineo; and nephew, Martin Crane. His daughter, actress Claire Lucido, sadly passed away in 2022. The family has announced that a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Harris Yulin may be gone, but his voice, his performances, and his unmistakable presence live on in every role, every line, and every moment he gifted to the world. For anyone who’s ever cheered during Scarface or laughed during Frasier, his legacy will never be forgotten.
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