Why Veteran Actor Harris Yulin Is Suddenly Trending—Career Highlights, Iconic Roles & the Latest Buzz

Veteran film, television, and stage actor Harris Yulin, celebrated for memorable turns in “Scarface,” “Ozark,” and countless Broadway productions, has died in New York City at the age of 88, his family confirmed on 10 June. The cause was cardiac arrest, according to longtime manager Sue Leibman. Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Yulin amassed more than 100 screen credits across six decades. He broke through as corrupt detective Mel Bernstein in Brian De Palma’s 1983 gangster epic “Scarface,” a role that cemented his reputation for authoritative, often hard-edged characters. Filmgoers later spotted him opposite Denzel Washington in “Training Day,” Chris Tucker in “Rush Hour 2,” and Bill Murray in “Ghostbusters II,” while television viewers embraced his Emmy-nominated appearance on “Frasier” and recent arc on Netflix’s “Ozark.” Equally respected onstage, Yulin starred six times on Broadway, including a widely praised 1980 revival of “Watch on the Rhine” and Arthur Miller’s “The Price.” He also directed several off-Broadway productions, mentoring younger performers who now mourn his passing. Tributes poured in within hours of the announcement. Actor Kevin Kline called Yulin “a master craftsman who never stopped searching for truth in every line,” while “Ozark” co-star Laura Linney cited his “razor-sharp wit and enormous generosity.” Social media platforms lit up with classic clips from “Scarface” and “Frasier,” propelling search interest in Yulin’s work to new highs. In recent months the actor had been preparing to reunite with Kline and Linney for an as-yet-untitled streaming series, demonstrating a work ethic that friends say defined his final years. “Retirement was never an option for Harris,” Leibman noted. “He believed artists should keep creating until their last breath.” Yulin is survived by partner Kristen Hearn, sister Catherine, and several nieces and nephews. A private funeral will be held in Manhattan later this week, followed by a public memorial on Broadway in July. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Actors Fund in his name. From iconic big-screen villainy to nuanced television guest spots and commanding stage performances, Harris Yulin leaves behind a legacy of versatility, integrity, and indelible storytelling that will continue to inspire audiences and actors alike.