You Do Not Encourage a Dodo to Fly: Harris Yulin (1937-2025) | Tributes | Roger Ebert
Briefly

Harris Yulin, the prolific character actor known for his roles in Hollywood and on stage, left a remarkable legacy marked by versatility and longevity. Born in 1937 and adopted into a Russian Jewish family, Yulin's journey to acting began in Europe following military service. He made an impactful Broadway debut and solidified his career with nearly 200 performances, often playing roles ranging from corrupt authority figures to comedic characters. His notable appearances in Shakespearean plays and films, particularly in 'Ozark' and the anti-Western 'Doc,' showcase his deep talent and charisma, reflective of a profound life lived in front of audiences.
"We're all dying the minute we're born. Goes fast. Don't waste it. Don't waste it." These words, muttered by Harris Yulin's terminally ill retiree Buddy Fixer in the fourth season of Netflix's crime drama 'Ozark,' feels strangely fitting for the character actor's 87 years of life.
With nearly 200 on-screen performances, Yulin was able to deliver roles perfectly calibrated for both menace and geniality, maximizing the impact of each character he portrayed.
Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Yulin was adopted by Russian Jewish parents and journeyed through acting after a stint in the army, fooling around in Europe before studying at UCLA.
His remarkable career included significant Broadway performances, particularly in Shakespearean plays, and a notable breakout role in the 1970s anti-Western ‘Doc,’ where he played Wyatt Earp.
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