Who was David Harris? Warriors role explored as actor from iconic film passes away at 75 

Actor David Harris, best known for playing Cochise in the 1979 cult classic film The Warriors, has passed away at the age of 75. His daughter, Davina Harris, told the New York Times that he died on Friday, October 25, after battling cancer.

Based on the 1965 novel written by Sol Yurick under the same name, The Warriors narrates the story of a New York City street gang who is tasked with traveling to Coney Island and subsequently get framed for murder. David Harris played Cochise, a gang member who is known for his leadership capabilities, unique fashion sense, and impulsive nature.

David Harris’ Cochise became a pop culture icon in the 90s and was best known for his niche turquoise and sad beaded tribal necklaces, armbands, and traditional indigenous feathers he accessorized himself with.

Following David Harris’ passing, Lin-Manual Miranda, who wrote an album based on The Warriors film, took to Instagram to post a tribute, where he said:

“Shocked and saddened at the passing of David Harris, aka the original Cochise in The Warriors. We were celebrating and giving him his flowers for his unforgettable performance just over a week ago. Grateful for that moment with him. Our hearts are with his daughter and galaxy of family and friends.”

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“We thought it was a little film”: David Harris did not anticipate the enormous success of The Warriors

In the movie, Cochise was a soldier who fought against the Punks and became an integral member of the red vest-wearing gang by becoming a sign of rebellion. Speaking about his role, David Harris said in a 2019 interview with ADAMICradio:

“We thought it was a little film that would run its little run and go and nobody would ever talk about it again… I was in Hong Kong, I was in Philippines, I was in Tokyo. I’ve done a lot of movies, but I get off the place and people go, it’s the guy from ‘The Warriors.’”

David Harris has acted in multiple other movies, including Quicksilver, James White, A Soldier’s Story, and Bubaker, among others. He also appeared in some television shows, including ER, NYPD Blue, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Mike Hammer: Private Eye, among others.

Harris also famously performed alongside Meryl Streep and John Lithgow in the play Secret Service after making his television debut in Judge Harton and the Scottsboro Boys. Speaking about acting in Secret Service, Harris said in an interview, as per Variety:

“I was onstage with giants. I was so scared and so nervous that I got cast. But they took me under their wing.”

Harris, a Big Apple native, was born in the city on June 18, 1949. He attended the High School of Performing Arts, where his English teacher encouraged him to join the drama department. He went on to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Speaking about acting, he said in an interview, as per The New York Times:

“I fell in love with it. I said you know what, I think this is my niche.”

Harris is survived by his daughter, his mother, Maude Marie Harris, his sister, Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin, his brothers Arthur A. Harris and Vincent J. Harris, and two grandchildren.