Known for his role as Cochise in the 1979 cult film, the actor was battling cancer
Career marked by the “Warriors”
David Harris, who became famous for playing the character Cochise in the film “Warriors”, died on Friday (10/25) at the age of 75. His daughter, Davina Harris, confirmed to the New York Times this Sunday (10/27) that the actor died at his home in New York after a battle with cancer.
The actor has racked up more than 50 credits over the course of a career that began in 1976, having been immortalized as a street gang member in “Warriors.” Directed by Walter Hill, the film became one of the most popular films of the 1970s, and is still fondly remembered today, to the point of becoming a video game in 2005 and producing a comic book continuing the film’s story in 2009.
Story of a cult film
One of the reasons for its permanence in the popular imagination was the way in which its fantasy plot reflected the reality of New York like few others, in the midst of the explosion of violence that gave the Bronx the reputation of being the most dangerous place in the world. world. the world. Amplifying the chaos in a dystopian story, adapted from Sol Yurick’s novel of the same name, the film created anthological scenes, famous slogans and influenced generations with its stylized post-punk brutality – influenced by “A Clockwork Orange” (1971).
The film follows the events of a gang called the Warriors, who participate in a meeting organized between all the criminals in the city, with the aim of forming a union capable of bringing New York to its knees. But the movement’s leader is assassinated in the middle of a meeting, in a plot that incriminates the Warriors. Pursued by all the rival gangs, they desperately flee from the Bronx, trying to survive until they find refuge in their territory, in distant Coney Island.
Like Cochise, Harris was part of the protagonist’s group, which tries to survive the night, after being hunted by all the other gangs in New York.
Initially met with negative reviews, the film overcame conservative opinions and ended up becoming a box office success, as well as acquiring cult status, being celebrated by new generations of critics over the decades.
Lasting legacy
In a 2019 interview, Harris recalled the lasting impact of his role. “We thought it would be a little movie that would go unnoticed and no one would talk about it again. I’ve been to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Tokyo and everywhere people recognize me as the guy from ‘Warriors,'” the actor said.
In 2005 he reprized the role of Cochice for the dubbing of the video game inspired by the film. And recently, director Lin-Manuel Miranda announced that he is adapting the film for the stage, having released a concept album as part of the project.
Other work in film and TV
Harris graduated from the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and began his artistic career in 1976 with the television film “Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys.” His filmography also includes “Brubaker” (1980), “A Soldier’s Story” (1984), “Quicksilver: The Pleasure of Winning” (1986) and “Fatal Beauty” (1987). On TV, he appeared in series such as “Kojak”, “MacGyver: Profissão Perigo”, “Chumbo Grosso” (Hill Street Blues), “The Equalizer”, “Plantão Médico” (ER), “New York Against Crime” (NYPD Blue), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “Elementary”, “Instinct” and “First Wives Club”, showing the versatility of his talent over the decades.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
