David Dominic Harris, best known for his role as Cochise in the 1979 The Warriors, has passed away at the age of 75.
His daughter, Davina Harris, confirmed he passed on October 25 due to cancer. The actor passed away at his home in New York City.
The Warriors is based on Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel and follows a New York City street gang. The gang is forced to make a dangerous journey from the Bronx to Coney Island after being framed for murder.
Harris’ character, Cochise, stood out with his bold fashion choices, including a turquoise necklace and headband. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its release, it gained a dedicated fanbase. It currently has an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Harris was born in New York City on June 28, 1949. As he grew up, he developed a passion for performing.
After being encouraged by a high school English teacher to join the drama department, he went on to make his mark on screen. His first significant role came in the Emmy-nominated TV film Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys (1976). He then starred in the play Secret Service alongside the lovely Meryl Streep and John Lithgow. A few years later, he was cast by director Walter Hill in The Warriors.
In a 2019 interview, Harris reflected on his legacy, saying that out of all the places he’s traveled to, he always gets acknowledged by being from The Warriors.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who recently collaborated on an album inspired by The Warriors with Eisa Davis, went on Instagram to pay tribute to Harris. “Shocked and saddened at the passing of David Harris, aka the original Cochise in The Warriors,” Miranda wrote. “We were celebrating and giving him his flowers for his unforgettable performance just over a week ago. Grateful for that moment with him. Our hearts are with his daughter and galaxy of family and friends.”
Throughout his career, Harris appeared in many films and television shows, including Brubaker (1980), A Soldier’s Story (1984), Quicksilver (1986), and James White (2015). He also had guest roles in series such as Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NYPD Blue, ER, Profiler, and Mike Hammer: Private Eye.
David Harris is lived on by his sister, mother, three siblings, and two grandchildren. His contributions to film and television will be remembered by many people.
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