Actor Harris Yulin appeared in a string of commercially successful movies, playing key supporting roles. However, he tragically passed away in June 2025, leaving behind a legacy of acclaimed films and beloved characters. One such acclaimed movie was a 89% rated Denzel Washington-led crime drama.
The movie started a new trend in Denzel Washington’s career, as the actor soared to new heights. It also featured the late Yulin in a small but important role, reuniting him with Washington after they had previously worked together on a different movie. Here is everything you need to know about Harris Yulin’s collaboration with Denzel Washington and sad demise.
Harris Yulin appeared in Denzel Washington’s Training Day
Actor Harris Yulin started his career in theater, appearing in multiple Broadway plays during his lengthy career. He made his screen debut in 1970 and gained a reputation for his character roles, including the 1999 real-life inspired sports crime-drama The Hurricane, starring Denzel Washington.
Following their work together on the 1999 movie, Yulin and Washington reunited for the 2001 crime-thriller film Training Day. It features Washington as Detective Alonzo Harris, while Yulin plays the supporting role of Doug Rosselli, a corrupt high-ranking LAPD cop.
Training Day emerged as a critical and commercial success, grossing $104 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). It also currently holds an audience score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, while earning Washington a Best Actor Oscar.
The movie sparked the trend of Washington playing villainous roles, leading to the actor playing morally grey characters on screen, including other hit movies such as American Gangster and Safe House. It was also Washington’s last time sharing the screen with Yulin.
Harris Yulin passed away from health complications
Aside from working with Washington on two movies, Yulin played several fan-favorite roles. One of his most prominent roles was as Mel Bernstein in Brian De Palma’s 1983 classic Scarface, where his character attempted to extort Al Pacino’s Tony Montana.
Some viewers might also remember the actor as Buddy Dieker in the Netflix series Ozark, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney in the lead roles. He also had brief stints on shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Unfortunately, Yulin sadly passed away on June 10, 2025, in New York City (via Deadline). According to reports, the actor suffered a cardiac arrest and died shortly afterward at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Kristen Lowman; son-in-law Ted Mineo; nephew Martin Crane; and godchildren, Marco and Lara Greenberg.
At the time of his passing, Yulin was working on the MGM+ comedy series American Classic, among a slew of other projects.
The series reunited Yulin with Ozark castmate Laura Linney and was described as its beating heart by director Michael Hoffman (via Entertainment Weekly). Our thoughts and prayers are with Yulin’s loved ones during these difficult times.
Training Day is currently streaming on Philo TV (USA).
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
