Scarface and Ghostbusters star dies as life and legacy revealed
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The world of entertainment has lost a respected figure with the passing of a veteran actor whose work spanned many iconic productions over the past six decades.
Passing away at 87, they leave behind a lasting legacy built on memorable roles and a lifelong dedication to the craft.
While Harris Yulin may not have been a household name, his presence was unmistakable.
If you’ve ever found yourself watching a classic film or a hit TV series and thought, 'I know that guy!'—chances are, it was Yulin.
His career was a masterclass in versatility, with performances that ranged from chilling villains to wise mentors and everything in between.
Yulin’s journey began on the stage in 1963 with his debut in Next Time I’ll Sing to You, and he quickly established himself as a force in the theatre world.
He made his Broadway debut nearly two decades later in a revival of Watch on the Rhine and continued to shine in productions such as The Visit (1992), The Diary of Anne Frank (1997), The Price (1999), and Hedda Gabler (2001).
For those who love the magic of live theatre, Yulin’s performances were a masterclass in subtlety and emotional depth.
But it was his work on screen that brought him into living rooms around the world.
Perhaps most famously, Yulin played the corrupt detective Mel Bernstein in the 1983 classic Scarface, going toe-to-toe with Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in scenes that crackled with tension.
He also made a memorable appearance as the judge whose courtroom is spectacularly destroyed in Ghostbusters II (1989)—a scene that still brings a smile to fans’ faces.
Yulin’s filmography reads like a who’s who of Hollywood hits and cult favourites.
He appeared in Clear and Present Danger (1994) alongside Harrison Ford, Training Day (2001) with Denzel Washington, and the Michael Keaton comedy Multiplicity (1996).
His ability to slip seamlessly into any role—be it a hard-nosed authority figure, a loving father, or a scheming villain—made him a favourite among directors and audiences alike.
Television was another arena where Yulin’s talents shone.
He earned an Emmy nomination for his guest role on Frasier in 1996, and his TV credits are a testament to his range: the enigmatic head of the Watchers’ Council on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Buddy Dieker on Ozark, and Russ Snyder’s father on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, to name just a few.
What set Harris Yulin apart wasn’t just his talent but his approach to his craft and his colleagues.
Director Michael Hoffman, who was working with Yulin on the upcoming series American Classic (alongside Kevin Kline and Laura Linney), described him as 'one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered.'
Hoffman praised Yulin’s 'immense technique' and 'fresh sense of discovery,' noting that his work was marked by 'immediacy and vitality and purity.'
But perhaps even more importantly, Yulin was remembered for his grace, humility, and generosity—qualities that endeared him to everyone he worked with.
'He will always remain the beating heart of our show,' Hoffman said, a sentiment echoed by many who had the privilege of sharing a stage or set with Yulin.
Yulin’s passing is a reminder of the quiet power of character actors—the unsung heroes who bring depth and authenticity to every story.
While he may not have been the leading man, his contributions were essential, and his performances were unforgettable.
For those of us who grew up watching the films and shows that defined generations, Yulin’s work is woven into the fabric of our memories.
Whether you remember him as the crooked cop in Scarface, the judge in Ghostbusters II, or any of his countless other roles, his legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and heart.
Credit: YouTube
Do you have a favourite Harris Yulin performance? Did you ever spot him in a film or show and think, 'There he is again!'? Share your memories and tributes in the comments below.
Read more: 'That’s not my job': Is romance dead for this Hollywood superstar?
Passing away at 87, they leave behind a lasting legacy built on memorable roles and a lifelong dedication to the craft.
While Harris Yulin may not have been a household name, his presence was unmistakable.
If you’ve ever found yourself watching a classic film or a hit TV series and thought, 'I know that guy!'—chances are, it was Yulin.
His career was a masterclass in versatility, with performances that ranged from chilling villains to wise mentors and everything in between.
Harris Yulin, known for roles in Scarface and Ghostbusters, has died at 87 in New York City after cardiac arrest. Credit: Facebook
Yulin’s journey began on the stage in 1963 with his debut in Next Time I’ll Sing to You, and he quickly established himself as a force in the theatre world.
He made his Broadway debut nearly two decades later in a revival of Watch on the Rhine and continued to shine in productions such as The Visit (1992), The Diary of Anne Frank (1997), The Price (1999), and Hedda Gabler (2001).
For those who love the magic of live theatre, Yulin’s performances were a masterclass in subtlety and emotional depth.
But it was his work on screen that brought him into living rooms around the world.
Perhaps most famously, Yulin played the corrupt detective Mel Bernstein in the 1983 classic Scarface, going toe-to-toe with Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in scenes that crackled with tension.
He also made a memorable appearance as the judge whose courtroom is spectacularly destroyed in Ghostbusters II (1989)—a scene that still brings a smile to fans’ faces.
Yulin’s filmography reads like a who’s who of Hollywood hits and cult favourites.
He appeared in Clear and Present Danger (1994) alongside Harrison Ford, Training Day (2001) with Denzel Washington, and the Michael Keaton comedy Multiplicity (1996).
His ability to slip seamlessly into any role—be it a hard-nosed authority figure, a loving father, or a scheming villain—made him a favourite among directors and audiences alike.
Television was another arena where Yulin’s talents shone.
He earned an Emmy nomination for his guest role on Frasier in 1996, and his TV credits are a testament to his range: the enigmatic head of the Watchers’ Council on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Buddy Dieker on Ozark, and Russ Snyder’s father on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, to name just a few.
What set Harris Yulin apart wasn’t just his talent but his approach to his craft and his colleagues.
Director Michael Hoffman, who was working with Yulin on the upcoming series American Classic (alongside Kevin Kline and Laura Linney), described him as 'one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered.'
Hoffman praised Yulin’s 'immense technique' and 'fresh sense of discovery,' noting that his work was marked by 'immediacy and vitality and purity.'
But perhaps even more importantly, Yulin was remembered for his grace, humility, and generosity—qualities that endeared him to everyone he worked with.
'He will always remain the beating heart of our show,' Hoffman said, a sentiment echoed by many who had the privilege of sharing a stage or set with Yulin.
While he may not have been the leading man, his contributions were essential, and his performances were unforgettable.
For those of us who grew up watching the films and shows that defined generations, Yulin’s work is woven into the fabric of our memories.
Whether you remember him as the crooked cop in Scarface, the judge in Ghostbusters II, or any of his countless other roles, his legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and heart.
Credit: YouTube
Read more: 'That’s not my job': Is romance dead for this Hollywood superstar?
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my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Condolences to his loved ones 
