Camilla Jessen
Hollywood is paying tribute to veteran actor Harris Yulin.
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Harris Yulin, a celebrated actor known for his powerful performances across film, television, and stage.
Yulin passed away on June 10 in New York City at the age of 88 following cardiac arrest, his manager Sue Leibman confirmed to Newsner.
With a career that stretched across more than five decades, Yulin’s work left a lasting impact on audiences and colleagues alike.
Many will remember Yulin’s fiery role as the judge in Ghostbusters II, where his courtroom meltdown triggered one of the film’s most memorable supernatural scenes. Others know him from his role as a corrupt cop in Scarface, and his work in films such as Clear and Present Danger, Training Day, and many others.
In television, Yulin earned an Emmy nomination for his 1996 appearance on Frasier. He also had memorable roles on popular shows like Ozark, Veep, Billions, Divorce, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and And Just Like That…
Beyond the screen, Yulin was deeply rooted in the theater world.
The Los Angeles native played Hamlet three times off-Broadway and starred in productions like Hedda Gabler, The Price, and The Visit.
He also devoted time to teaching, spending eight years sharing his craft with students at New York City’s prestigious Juilliard School.
Remembered as a Remarkable Artist and Man
Yulin was preparing for a new TV project, American Classic, alongside Laura Linney and Kevin Kline. The show’s director, Michael Hoffman, praised Yulin’s extraordinary presence both on and off the set.
“Very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered,” Hoffman told CNN. “And what he was as an actor, he was as a man—the grace, the humility, the generosity.”
Longtime collaborator Stacy Keach, who appeared with Yulin in the 1971 film DOC, had continued working with him on projects until his passing.
Yulin dated actress Faye Dunaway from 1971 to 1972.
He is survived by his wife, actress Kristen Lowman, a son-in-law, a nephew, and several godchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, actress Claire Lucido.