Actor David Dominic Harris, best known for his role as Cochise in the 1979 film “The Warriors,” passed away at his residence in New York City on October 25, 2024. Harris’s daughter, Davina Harris, revealed that he died of cancer at the age of 75.
Despite initial mixed responses, Harris’s portrayal of the unique gang member in Walter Hill’s “The Warriors” eventually reached cult status. The film currently holds a high rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Harris, a New York City native born in 1949, discovered his love for acting at the High School of Performing Arts. During a 2022 interview with “The Claw’s Corner,” he reflected on his early career and stated, “I fell in love with it. I said you know what, I think this is my niche.”
The Emmy-nominated 1976 TV movie “Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys,” in which Harris played Haywood Patterson, marked his career breakthrough. Prior to his memorable role in “The Warriors,” he starred in “Secret Service,” a 1977 stage production featuring Meryl Streep and John Lithgow.
In a 2019 radio interview, Harris discussed the lasting impact of “The Warriors.” He said, “It wasn’t a typical gang movie. It was futuristic. It was like ‘The Seven Samurai’… It was based on a Greek army that was caught behind enemy lines, and they had to fight their way back all night to get back to their own line — it’s a true story.”
Harris’ acting career spanned more than four decades and included roles in prominent films such as “Brubaker” (1980), “A Soldier’s Story” (1984), “Purple Hearts” (1984), “Quicksilver” (1986), “Fatal Beauty” (1987), and his last film, “James White” (2015). His television work included roles on “MacGyver,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Heat of the Night,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “NYPD Blue,” “ER,” and “Profiler.”
Harris is survived by his mother, Maude Marie, three siblings, and two grandchildren.
