Television actor Devin Harjes, known for his roles in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” Marvel’s “Daredevil,” and NBC’s “Manifest,” died on May 27 at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City. He was 41.
Harjes died from complications related to cancer, according to his representative David Williams. The actor was diagnosed with the disease in February, having received the diagnosis during the winter months.
Williams described Harjes as an artist of great conviction who never gave less than one hundred percent to any role he undertook. The representative noted that Harjes was generous, kind, understanding and devoted to his family and friends, possessing exceptional skills with horses and animals.
Born on July 29, 1983, in Lubbock, Texas, Harjes developed an early connection to animals and horses. His obituary noted that just three days after his birth, his father carried him and his sister on horseback, establishing a bond with animals that remained throughout his life.
Harjes studied acting in college before launching his career in the Dallas-Fort Worth theater community. He later relocated to New York City, where he appeared in student films, independent productions, and off-Broadway shows before transitioning to television and film work.
His breakthrough television role came when he portrayed legendary boxer Jack Dempsey in two episodes of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” during the show’s second season in 2011. The performance established him as a recognizable character actor in the television industry.
Harjes subsequently appeared in several notable television series, including a role as Oscar, a Rikers Island nurse, in Marvel’s “Daredevil,” and as Clyde, a bank security guard, in Fox’s “Gotham.” His television credits also included appearances in “Orange Is the New Black,” “Blue Bloods,” “Elementary,” and “FBI.”
In one of his most substantial roles, Harjes portrayed Pete Baylor across nine episodes in seasons two and three of NBC’s “Manifest.” His character was a member of a drug group known as the Meth Heads, whose storyline helped other characters understand the mythological aspects of their situation.
The actor’s film work included roles in “The Forest Is Red,” “Boyz of Summer,” and the 2017 J.D. Salinger biographical film “Rebel in the Rye,” starring Nicholas Hoult and Sarah Paulson. His performance in “The Forest Is Red” earned him the Best Actor award at Italy’s Tolentino International Film Festival.
Beyond his acting career, Harjes maintained a dedication to martial arts and regular fitness training. His obituary noted that he often joked it was safer than getting kicked in the face by a horse, referencing his lifelong connection to equestrian activities.
Director Antonio DiFonzo paid tribute to the actor on social media, describing him as an amazing actor and friend who constantly strived for improvement. DiFonzo indicated that Harjes “put his heart and soul into everything he did.”
Filmmaker Debra Markowitz also expressed condolences, describing Harjes’ death as occurring far too young. The tributes reflected the impact he had on colleagues throughout his career in independent and mainstream productions.
Harjes divided his time between residences near the Rocky Mountains, in West Texas, and in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. This arrangement allowed him to maintain connections to both his Texas roots and his professional base in the entertainment industry.
The actor is survived by his parents, Randy and Rosanne Harjes, and his sister Trish Harjes and her husband Justin Kelley. He also leaves behind nephews Tristin and Sawyer Kelley, nieces Rory and Charly Kelley, his former wife and fellow “Gotham” actress Shiva Shobitha, and his cat Maude.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TKC Blessings in Harjes’ name. The nonprofit organization provides academic and social emotional support to children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, reflecting his continued connection to his Texas origins.
