With his roles in American classics like “Scarface” and “Ozark,” Harris Yulin, an Emmy-nominated actor who left behind a legacy spanning decades across film, television, and theater that showcased traditional American storytelling, has passed away in New York City at the age of 87. His passing signifies the end of an era for an actor who embodied old Hollywood values while remaining relevant in modern entertainment..
A Storied Career Across American Entertainment
Harris Yulin, born on November 5, 1937, in Los Angeles, built an impressive career that spanned over six decades in the entertainment industry. His memorable performances included roles in iconic films like “Scarface,” “Clear and Present Danger,” and “Training Day,” showcasing his versatility as a character actor in productions that often celebrated American strength and resilience.
Harris Yulin, the powerful actor who portrayed Maritza in #StarTrek #DS9's "Duet," has died at age 88.https://t.co/9JThbIwfji#RIP pic.twitter.com/ZHyju4cbgM
— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) June 11, 2025
Yulin received an Emmy nomination in 1996 for his guest appearance on the beloved sitcom “Frasier,” one of many television roles that endeared him to American audiences. His more recent work on Netflix’s “Ozark” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” demonstrated his ability to connect with new generations of viewers while maintaining the craftsmanship that defined his earlier performances.
Dedication to American Theater
Beyond his screen accomplishments, Yulin maintained a strong commitment to American theater. His Broadway credits included powerful performances in “Watch on the Rhine,” “The Visit,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” for which he received a Drama Desk nomination, and Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler.”
We’re saddened to share the news of the passing of acclaimed actor Harris Yulin, who died June 10 in New York City at the age of 87.
For Ghostbusters fans, Yulin is remembered for portraying the no-nonsense Judge Stephen Wexler, aka “The Hammer,” in Ghostbusters II.
Across his… pic.twitter.com/YX3Z91KpM0
— Ghostbusters News (@GBNewsdotcom) June 11, 2025
Yulin made his New York stage debut in 1963 and continued to work in regional theaters across America, directing acclaimed productions of American classics like “The Glass Menagerie” and “The Trip to Bountiful.” His directorial work on “The Trip to Bountiful” earned four Lucille Lortel Awards, cementing his reputation as a guardian of classic American storytelling traditions.
A Life of Family Values and Future Projects
At the time of his passing from cardiac arrest, Yulin was preparing to start production on the MGM+ series “American Classic” with Kevin Kline and Laura Linney. The project would have reunited him with Linney after their previous collaboration on “Ozark,” showing his continued dedication to his craft even in his later years.
“Harris Yulin was one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered. His marriage of immense technique with an always fresh sense of discovery gave his work immediacy, 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. Our experience has been blessed all of us at American Classic with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.”
Yulin is survived by his wife Kristen Lowman, son-in-law Ted, nephew Martin, and godchildren Marco and Lara, who represent the family values he cherished throughout his life. He was previously married to actress Gwen Welles until she died in 1993. He was predeceased by his daughter, actress Claire Lucido, who showed the personal losses he endured while continuing to contribute to American arts and culture.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/scarface-actor-dies-87-001600503.html
https://deadline.com/2025/06/harris-yulin-dead-1236431177/
https://dnyuz.com/2025/06/11/emmy-nominated-ozark-and-scarface-actor-dies-at-87/