David Harris, the actor best known for portraying Cochise in the 1979 cult classic film “The Warriors,” recently passed away from cancer at his home in New York City. He was 75 years old. Harris’s daughter Davina confirmed the cause of death to the New York Times.
Harris found widespread fame for his portrayal of Cochise, the leader of a street gang distinguished by turquoise jewelry and a headband. In the film, adapted from a 1965 novel, Harris’s character helps guide a gang through perilous circumstances after they are falsely accused of murder. Though “The Warriors” faced initial criticism, it has since gained a large following that appreciates on Rotten Tomatoes.
Harris began acting while in high school at the High School of Performing Arts. An encouraging English teacher helped spark his interest in drama. One of his breakthrough roles came in the 1976 Emmy-nominated television film “Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys.” The next year, he performed on stage with Meryl Streep and John Lithgow in a play.
Harris landed the role of Cochise in “The Warriors” through his agent and the film’s director Walter Hill. Though he took on many other roles over his career in movies and television shows, Harris said that fans most frequently recognized him from “The Warriors.” Even when traveling overseas, people would greet him by saying “It’s the guy from The Warriors.”
Outside of “The Warriors,” Harris demonstrated versatility through parts in films like “Brubaker” and “A Soldier’s Story” as well as television appearances on popular shows including “Law & Order,” “NYPD Blue,” and “ER.” Harris is survived by his mother, sister, two siblings and two grandchildren.
