Highlights
- David Harris, the actor from The Warriors, dies at 75 after battling cancer.
- Harris played Cochise in The Warriors, a cult classic film directed by Walter Hill.
- He was born in New York City in 1949 and studied at the High School of Performing Arts.
- Harris made his debut in the Emmy-nominated 1976 film Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys.
- In addition to films, he appeared in TV shows like ER, Law & Order, and NYPD Blue.
- David Harris is remembered for his role in the 2005 video game adaptation of The Warriors.
- He leaves behind a daughter, two grandchildren, his mother, and siblings.
David Harris, famously recognized as Cochise in the 1979 cult classic The Warriors, passed away at 75 on October 25, 2024, at his New York City home. His daughter, Davina Harris, confirmed that he bravely battled cancer.
Harris’s role in The Warriors, as the stylish and confident Cochise, left an unforgettable mark on fans and became a defining moment in his career.
Harris was born on June 18, 1949, in New York City. He honed his acting skills at the High School of Performing Arts and later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
His journey into acting began with a notable role in the 1976 Emmy-nominated TV movie, Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys. Harris’s portrayal of Haywood Patterson marked his first significant performance and opened doors to future roles.
In The Warriors, directed by Walter Hill, Harris played Cochise, a charismatic member of a red-vested gang navigating the dangerous streets of New York.
The movie follows the gang as they are falsely accused of murder and must make their way from the Bronx to Coney Island.
Cochise’s distinctive look, with a headband and turquoise necklace, resonated with audiences and became symbolic of the character’s strength and individuality.
Although The Warriors initially faced criticism, it gradually gained a devoted following. The film’s portrayal of camaraderie, youth, and rebellion, combined with its unique depiction of New York’s gang life, contributed to its cult status.
Harris often reflected fondly on his time working on the movie, highlighting how it transcended the typical gang narrative.
In an interview from 2019, Harris described The Warriors as futuristic, akin to The Seven Samurai, with themes drawn from historical events. The film showcased a fictional night journey of survival and unity, inspired by an ancient Greek story.
Apart from The Warriors, Harris took on various roles in both television and films. He starred alongside Robert Redford in Brubaker (1980), and appeared in Quicksilver (1980), Secret Service (1977) with Meryl Streep and John Lithgow, and Fatal Beauty (1987).
On television, Harris demonstrated his versatility through roles in popular series like Law & Order: SVU, ER, Hill Street Blues, and NYPD Blue. He even reprised his role as Cochise in the 2005 video game adaptation of The Warriors, connecting with a new generation of fans.
Harris’s career spanned decades, and he remained active until 2019. Reflecting on his global recognition, he humorously shared that wherever he traveled, he was often identified as “the guy from The Warriors.”
David Harris is survived by his daughter, Davina, his mother Maude Marie Harris, sister Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin, brothers Arthur A. Harris and Vincent J. Harris, and two grandchildren.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his iconic portrayal of Cochise ensures his legacy will endure.
