David Harris, the actor celebrated for his role as Cochise in the iconic 1979 film The Warriors, passed away on October 25 at age 75, after battling cancer. Harris died at his home in New York City, according to The New York Times.
Harris’ portrayal of Cochise in The Warriors—a film centered around a New York gang from Coney Island dressed in red vests—marked his cinematic debut. The movie, directed by Walter Hill (The Driver, Brewster’s Millions, Aliens), was based on Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel. Although initially met with mixed reviews, The Warriors gained a loyal following over the years, eventually being recognized as a cult classic.
In the film, Harris’ character and his gang travel to the Bronx for a major gang summit, only to be falsely accused of murdering a gang leader, igniting a tense and dramatic journey back to Coney Island.
Reflecting on the film’s legacy in a 2019 interview with ADAMICradio, Harris recalled, “We thought it was a little film that would run its little run and go, and nobody would ever talk about it again.” He continued, “I’ve done a lot of movies, but I get off the plane and people go, ‘It’s the guy from The Warriors.’”
Early Life and Career
A New York native, Harris discovered his passion for acting at the High School of Performing Arts and continued his studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His first screen appearance was in the Emmy-nominated 1976 TV movie Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys. His early career included appearances in Kojak and on Broadway in Secret Service, where he shared the stage with Meryl Streep and John Lithgow.
Film and Television Credits
Following The Warriors, Harris acted in the 1980 Robert Redford film Brubaker, which received an Oscar nomination. He went on to appear in several notable films, including Purple Hearts (1984), A Soldier’s Story (1984), which earned a Best Picture nomination, Quicksilver (1986), Fire with Fire (1986), and Fatal Beauty (1987) with Whoopi Goldberg.
Harris’ television credits were extensive, with roles in Attica (1990), MacGyver, NYPD Blue, The Equalizer, Hill Street Blues, ER, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Elementary, and First Wives Club.
Survived By
Harris is survived by his daughter, Davina Harris; his mother, Maude Marie Harris; sister, Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin; brothers, Arthur A. Harris and Vincent J. Harris; and two grandchildren.
