David Harris, ‘The Warriors’ Actor Who Played Cochise, Dies at 75
Harris brought a quiet dignity to the role of Cochise, the Apache warrior who befriends the Warriors in the 1979 cult classic.
David Harris, the actor who played the Apache warrior Cochise in the 1979 cult classic film "The Warriors," died on Monday at the age of 75. His friend and "Warrior" co-star Dorsey Wright confirmed his death.
Harris's portrayal of Cochise was a breakout role for the actor, who went on to appear in over 100 films and television shows. He was known for his strong presence and distinctive voice, which he used to great effect in roles such as Chief Big Tree in the 1990 Western "Dances with Wolves" and the shaman Sitting Bull in the 1992 historical drama "Geronimo: An American Legend."
Harris was a proud member of the Cayuga Nation and a vocal advocate for Native American rights.
He was born in New York City in 1947 and raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve in Ontario. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Last American Hero" (1973) and "Taxi Driver" (1976).
His performance in 'The Warriors' remains one of his most iconic roles.
The film, which tells the story of a gang of New York City street toughs who must travel through hostile territory to return home after a rumble goes awry, has become a cult classic over the years. Harris's portrayal of Cochise, a wise and compassionate warrior who befriends the Warriors, is one of the most memorable characters in the film.
Harris continued to act throughout his life, appearing in films such as "The Siege of Firebase Gloria" (1989), "Black Hawk Down" (2001), and "The Last Airbender" (2010). He also had a recurring role on the television series "Northern Exposure" (1990-1995).
Harris's death is a loss to the film community and to the Native American community. He was a talented actor and a proud advocate for his people. He will be remembered for his strong performances and his unwavering commitment to social justice.
