Did ‘The Warriors’ Star David Harris Have Any Children? Iconic Actor Dies at 75
- David Harris, best known for his role as Cochise in 'The Warriors', passed away at 75
- Harris is survived by his mother, daughter Davina, his siblings, and two grandchildren.
- Harris's career journey, which began at New York’s High School of Performing Arts, made him a cultural icon.
The world of cinema has lost another gem, as actor David Harris, who portrayed the memorable character Cochise in the 1979 classic The Warriors, passed away recently. His portrayal of a gang member left a mark on pop culture, which gave his role a legendary status in the history of cinema.
The Warriors was initially considered less favorable by the critics. However, it has gained a massive fan following throughout the world over the years. Let’s take a look at the personal life of the iconic actor.
David Harris’ Personal Journey and Family Life
David Dominic Harris was born on June 18, 1949, in New York City. He started his career in the entertainment industry at the High School of Performing Arts, when a simple recommendation from an English teacher changed his life.
Unfortunately, the actor recently died in his home in New York City from cancer on October 25, 2024. Harris was 75 years old. The sad news was confirmed by his daughter, Davina Harris, to The New York Times, marking the end of an era for The Warriors fans.
He is survived by his mother, Maude Marie Harris, his sister, Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin, and brothers Arthur A. Harris and Vincent J. Harris. The man is also survived by his daughter, Davina, and two grandchildren.
In his career, Harris has been quite attached to his fans and other artists with whom he worked. He was being celebrated for his standout performance just a week before his demise. One of his fellow artists, Miranda, posted on Instagram, “Shocked and saddened at the passing of David Harris. We were celebrating and giving him his flowers for his unforgettable performance just over a week ago.”
His portrayal as Cochise in The Warriors became more than a character of a movie, it became a cultural touchstone. Some of the fashion choices associated with the character, like the headband and turquoise necklace, were perceived as symbols of rebellion that resonated with audiences everywhere.
David Harris’ Acting Journey
The way to the stardom of the Harris was not that straight. In a 2022 interview with The Claw’s Corner, he stated that he was “always the jokester” who had no idea what he wanted to do. But then, when he began working in the drama department things changed. He shared,
I fell in love with it. I said you know what, I think this is my niche.
His first major breakthrough was the 1976 TV film Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys. It was a drama that earned two Emmy nominations. This success brought in more roles, as the actor got a chance to act in Secret Service opposite legends like Meryl Streep and John Lithgow.
Cochise getting cast in The Warriors was almost perfect timing in his acting career. Harris was performing in Minneapolis when one day his agent introduced him to director Walter Hill. This connection would pave the way to the role that defined his career.
Even after so many years of talking about his most famous role, Harris never got bored of it and always embraced it with pride. In an interview with The Five Count, he said,
It feels great to know that you’re a part of some film that’s history. Certain actors are blessed enough to get in a film that is just iconic and people are going to talk about for the next thousand years.
His presence in films also increased as time passed. His filmography includes films like Brubaker in 1980, A Soldier’s Story in 1984, and James White in 2015. He also appeared on television in shows like Law & Order, NYPD Blue, and ER, amongst others.
The Warriors is available to stream and rent on Paramount+ and Prime Video.
