David Harris, “The Warriors” Actor, Passes Away at 75
David Harris, best known for his iconic role as Cochise in the 1979 cult classic film “The Warriors,” has died at the age of 75. His daughter, Davina Harris, confirmed his passing to the New York Times, stating that he died at his home in New York City after a battle with cancer.
Cochise: A Memorable Role in “The Warriors”
In “The Warriors,” Harris portrayed Cochise, a key member of the titular gang, known for their distinctive red vests. Based on Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel, the Walter Hill-directed film follows a New York City gang falsely accused of murder and their perilous journey from the Bronx to Coney Island. Harris’ character stood out with his unique fashion sense, including a headband and a large turquoise necklace, symbolizing his rebellious spirit.
While “The Warriors” received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it eventually gained cult status. In a 2019 interview with ADAMICradio, Harris reflected on the film’s enduring legacy:
“We thought it was a little film that would run its little run and go, and nobody would ever talk about it again,” Harris said.
“I was in Hong Kong, I was in the Philippines, I was in Tokyo,” he added. “I’ve done a lot of movies, but I get off the plane and people go, ‘It’s the guy from ‘The Warriors!’”
A Diverse Career Spanning Decades
Throughout the 1980s and 2000s, Harris worked on numerous films, including “Bubaker” (1980), “Quicksilver” (1980), “A Soldier’s Story” (1984), “Fatal Beauty” (1987), and “James White” (2015). He also made appearances in popular television shows like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Mike Hammer: Private Eye.”
His breakthrough role came in the 1976 Emmy-nominated TV movie “Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys,” where he played Haywood Patterson. The following year, he starred in the play “Secret Service,” alongside Meryl Streep and John Lithgow.
From High School to Hollywood
Born in New York City on June 18, 1949, Harris attended the High School of Performing Arts. One of his English teachers encouraged him to join the drama department, and he quickly fell in love with acting.
“I fell in love with it,” he said in a 2022 interview with “The Claw’s Corner.” “I said, you know what, I think this is my niche.”
Harris leaves behind his daughter, Davina Harris, his mother, Maude Marie Harris, his sister Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin, brothers Arthur A. Harris and Vincent J. Harris, and two grandchildren.
David Harris’s legacy as a talented actor and his iconic portrayal of Cochise will continue to inspire generations of movie lovers.
Share your favorite memories of David Harris and his work in the comments below.