Hollywood loses another legend as veteran character actor Harris Yulin, known for his memorable roles in “Scarface,” “Ozark,” and “Frasier,” has passed away at 87. The Emmy-nominated actor died from cardiac arrest in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy spanning Broadway, film, and television that captivated American audiences for decades.
Decorated Career Spanning Six Decades
Yulin, born in Los Angeles on November 5, 1937, established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile character actors with an impressive career that began in the 1960s. He gained widespread recognition for his role as corrupt cop Mel Bernstein in the 1983 cult classic “Scarface” alongside Al Pacino, and continued to build his reputation with appearances in films like “Clear and Present Danger” and “Training Day.”
His television work brought him critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination in 1996 for his guest appearance on the hit NBC sitcom “Frasier” as Jerome Belasco. Yulin’s more recent television appearances included the Netflix series “Ozark,” where he starred alongside Laura Linney, and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” demonstrating his ability to adapt to changing entertainment landscapes while maintaining his signature gravitas.
Broadway Legend and Director
Beyond his screen work, Yulin was deeply respected in theater circles, making his Broadway debut in 1980 with Lillian Hellman’s “Watch on the Rhine.” His stage resume included acclaimed performances in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” for which he received a Drama Desk nomination in 1997, and productions of “The Price,” “The Visit,” and his final stage appearance in Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler” in 2001.
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
Not content with only acting, Yulin showcased his artistic range by directing several plays, including Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” and Horton Foote’s “The Trip to Bountiful,” which won four Lucille Lortel Awards. His passion for the craft extended to frequent collaborations with actress Mercedes Ruehl and ongoing projects with Stacy Keach that were interrupted by his passing.
Personal Life and Final Projects
Yulin was previously married to actress Gwen Welles until her death in 1993 and is survived by his wife Kristen Lowman, son-in-law Ted, nephew Martin, and godchildren Marco and Lara. His daughter, actress Claire Lucido, predeceased him, marking one of the personal tragedies in a life otherwise celebrated for artistic achievement.
“Harris Yulin was very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered. 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. All of us at American Classic have been blessed by our experience with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.”
At the time of his death, Yulin was preparing to start production on the MGM+ series “American Classic” with Kevin Kline and Laura Linney, a project now tinged with poignancy as the show moves forward without one of its key performers. Director Michael Hoffman’s tribute highlights the respect Yulin commanded among his peers and the significant void his passing leaves in the industry.
A memorial service for the beloved actor will be held at a later date, allowing the many colleagues and fans whose lives he touched to pay their respects. Yulin’s six-decade career stands as a testament to his remarkable talent and enduring passion for performance, leaving an indelible mark on American entertainment that will be remembered long after the final curtain call.
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/