David Harris, widely recognized for his iconic role as Cochise in the 1979 cult film The Warriors, has passed away at the age of 75. The actor died of cancer on Friday at his New York City residence, confirmed his daughter, Davina Harris, in a statement to the New York Times.
Harris rose to fame with The Warriors, a film adapted from Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel. The story follows a gang in New York City, navigating from the Bronx to Coney Island after being framed for murder. Harris’ character, Cochise, stood out with his bold style, including a turquoise necklace and headband, which quickly became iconic among fans. Though critics initially dismissed the film, it later gained a loyal following and now boasts an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its place as a beloved classic.
Reflecting on the ongoing popularity of The Warriors, Harris shared in a 2019 interview how he continued to be recognized worldwide. “I was in Hong Kong, I was in the Philippines, I was in Tokyo,” Harris remarked. “I’ve done a lot of movies, but everywhere I go, people recognize me as Cochise from The Warriors.”
Among those touched by Harris’ passing is Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who recently co-wrote a concept album inspired by The Warriors with Eisa Davis. Miranda posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “Shocked and saddened by David Harris’ passing. We recently honored him for his performance in The Warriors, and I am grateful for that moment. Sending love to his daughter and family.”
Apart from The Warriors, Harris’ acting career spanned across several decades, with roles in notable films such as Brubaker (1980), A Soldier’s Story (1984), and James White (2015). His television appearances included popular series like Law & Order, NYPD Blue, and ER, showcasing his versatility and talent in both cinema and TV.
Born on June 18, 1949, in New York City, Harris grew up with a love for performing. He attended the High School of Performing Arts, where an English teacher encouraged him to explore acting. His first major role came in the 1976 TV film Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys. In 1977, he joined the cast of Secret Service, starring alongside Meryl Streep and John Lithgow, and just two years later, he made his mark in The Warriors.
David Harris is survived by his sister, his mother, three siblings, and two grandchildren.
