David Harris, who brought the character Cochise to life in the iconic 1979 film The Warriors, passed away at 75 on Friday in his New York City home after battling cancer, as confirmed by his daughter.
Harris’s portrayal of Cochise in The Warriors, directed by Walter Hill, became legendary. Dressed in a red vest, turquoise necklaces, and a signature headband, Harris’s character was central to the Warriors gang as they navigated a perilous, all-night escape through New York City after being framed for a gang leader’s murder. Originally overlooked by critics, the film developed a loyal following, establishing The Warriors as a cult classic and cementing Harris’s role in cinematic history. “We thought it was a little film that would run its course and disappear,” Harris reflected years later. “But everywhere I went, from Tokyo to Hong Kong, people recognized me as Cochise.”
The movie’s influence grew over time, inspiring everything from parodies to tributes in media. Recently, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda paid homage to The Warriors by co-writing a concept album inspired by the film, released on October 18, with an all-star cast and a new take on the gang’s story.
Though Harris’s role as Cochise is the most celebrated of his career, he had a long list of acting credits in television and film, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Hill Street Blues, and MacGyver. He also appeared in notable films such as Brubaker (1980) with Robert Redford and James White (2016).
Reflecting on the film’s impact decades after its release, Harris said, “It means a lot to us because our fans are family. It hasn’t lost its juice in over thirty years.”
David Harris is survived by his daughter, two grandchildren, his mother Maude Marie Harris, his sister Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin, and two brothers, Arthur and Vincent Harris.
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