'The Warriors' actor David Harris has died aged 75

Actor David Harris, best known for his role in the 1979 film “The Warriors,” has died at age 75.

The actor died at his home in New York City after a battle with cancer, his daughter Davina Harris told the New York Times.

In the cult classic, Harris played Cochise — a red vest-wearing member of the Coney Island gang.

Although the film struggled at the time of release, it later gained a global fanbase and became a fan favorite. It now boasts 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

In 2019, Harris looked back on the film's success in a radio interview, saying he had no idea “The Warriors” would stand the test of time.

“It wasn't a typical gang movie,” he said at the time. “It was the future. It was like 'The Seven Samurai'… It was based on a Greek army that got caught behind enemy lines and had to fight all night to get back to their own lines – that's a true story.”

“I've been in Hong Kong, I've been in the Philippines, I've been in Tokyo,” he went on. “I've done a lot of movies, but I get off the plane and people go, it's the guy from 'The Warriors.'”

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who recently wrote a concept album based on “The Warriors” with playwright Issa Davis, paid tribute to Harris on Instagram.

“Shocked and saddened by the passing of David Harris, the original Cochise of The Warriors,” he wrote. “We were celebrating and gave him flowers for his unforgettable performance a week ago. Grateful for that moment with him. Our hearts go out to his daughter and galaxy of family and friends.”

In addition to his work in film, Harris appeared in the 1980 film “Brubaker”, 1984's “A Soldier's Story” and 1980's “Quicksilver”. Most recently, he appeared in the 2015 film “James White”.

Harris boasts several TV credits, having appeared on shows such as “Law & Order,” Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “NYPD Blue,” “ER,” and “Profiler.”

Born in June 1949, attended a local performing arts high school in New York where he found a passion for acting.

“I fell in love with it,” he told “The Claw's Corner” in 2022. “I said you know what, I think that's my niche.”

In addition to his work in TV and film, Harris starred in the 1977 drama “Secret Service” starring Meryl Streep and John Lithgow.

Just a few years after the gig, his agent connected him with “The Warriors” director Walter Hill.

Harris is survived by his mother, his three siblings and his two grandchildren.