A legendary career comes to an end for one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile talents.
For many, his name might not be instantly recognisable, but his face and voice are unforgettable.
Harris Yulin, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Scarface and Ghostbusters II, whose career spanned more than six decades across stage and screen, has died at the age of 88.
He passed away in New York on Tuesday, with his family and longtime manager Sue Leibman confirming the cause as cardiac arrest.
He was the kind of actor who could slip seamlessly into any role, whether as a menacing authority figure, a conflicted everyman or a wry comic presence.
His performances left an indelible mark on some of the most iconic films and television series of the past half-century.
A career built on range and depth
Born in Los Angeles on 5 November 1937, Harris Yulin’s journey to stardom began on the stage.
He made his New York theatre debut in 1963 with James Saunders’ Next Time I’ll Sing to You, quickly establishing himself as a force in the world of live performance.
Broadway soon beckoned, and Yulin’s 1980 debut in Watch on the Rhine was just the beginning.
He would return to the Great White Way time and again, with memorable turns in The Visit, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Price and Hedda Gabler.
His 2010 performance in Death of a Salesman was particularly lauded, cementing his reputation as a master of his craft.
But it was on the silver screen that Yulin reached his widest audience.
His first film role came in 1971, playing the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp in Doc, opposite Stacy Keach.
From there, he built a filmography that reads like a tour through Hollywood’s greatest hits.
In Scarface (1983), he played Mel Bernstein, the corrupt Miami detective whose fate is sealed by Al Pacino’s Tony Montana.
In Ghostbusters II (1989), Yulin’s Judge Stephen Wexler presided over one of the film’s most memorable supernatural courtroom scenes.
Yulin’s talents weren’t confined to the big screen. He was a familiar face on television, with roles in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, 24, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Entourage.
In 1996, he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for his guest role as Jerome Belasco in the beloved sitcom Frasier.
More recently, he captivated a new generation of viewers with his recurring role in Netflix’s Ozark.
A life beyond the spotlight
Yulin’s personal life was as rich and varied as his career.
He dated screen legend Faye Dunaway in the early 1970s, and later married actress Gwen Welles, with whom he shared a deep bond until her passing in 1993.
In 2005, he found love again with actress Kristen Lowman, and the two remained together until his death.
Even in his later years, Yulin never lost his passion for acting. His final film credit was as Professor Dusselberg in the 2024 sci-fi drama Omni Loop, starring Mary-Louise Parker and Ayo Edebiri—a testament to his enduring appeal and work ethic.
A legacy that endures
Harris Yulin’s passing is a reminder of the quiet power of character actors—the unsung heroes who bring depth and authenticity to every project they touch.
While he may not have always been the leading man, Yulin’s presence elevated every scene, every story and every cast he joined.
For Australian audiences, Yulin’s work is a reminder of the global reach of great storytelling.
Whether you first encountered him as the hard-nosed detective in Scarface, the exasperated judge in Ghostbusters II, or the scheming power player in Ozark, his performances have left a lasting impression.
As we reflect on his remarkable career, we invite you to share your memories. Did you have a favourite Harris Yulin role? Perhaps you saw him on stage, or remember a particular film or TV moment that stuck with you? Let us know in the comments below—let’s celebrate the life and legacy of a true Hollywood legend.
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