Who was Harris Yulin married to? All about the Scarface actor’s family as he dies at 87

Veteran character-actor Harris Yulin, whose unforgettable performances lit up films like Scarface, Training Day, and Clear and Present Danger, died on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest, at the age of 87, in New York City, his family and manager, Sue Leibman, confirmed. As tributes pour in for the Emmy-nominated actor, many are also reflecting on his personal life — especially his relationships and family, including two key women who shaped his off-screen world.

Harris Yulin was first married to actress Gwen Welles, a talented performer best known for her role as the shy aspiring country singer in Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975). The couple wed in 1975 and remained together until Welles' tragic death from cancer in 1993 at the age of 42. Welles had a reputation for bringing a raw vulnerability to her characters, with additional standout performances in films like California Split and Eating. Their nearly two-decade-long marriage was marked by a shared love of storytelling and the arts, and Welles’ death was a profound loss for Yulin, personally and professionally.

More than a decade later, Harris Yulin rekindled his romance with actress Kristen Lowman, recognized for her role in Picket Fences. They tied the knot in September 2005. Yulin continued his life with her until his death. He is survived by Lowman, along with a family member, a son-in-law, Ted, a nephew, Martin, and godchildren named Marco and Lara. He was also predeceased by his daughter Claire Lucido, an actress.

Harris Yulin's legacy of art and affection

Although never truly a household name, Yulin received an Emmy nomination in 1996 for Frasier and later gained recognition for roles in Ozark, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

“I’m not that high-profile,” Yulin explained to The Irish Times during a 2010 interview. “I just do the next thing that comes along.”

That approach earned him more than 50 years of consistent work in different genres and from different eras.

When he passed away, Yulin was set to start shooting for the MGM+ series American Classic, which Michael Hoffman was directing, as per a report published by The Hollywood Reporter. After hearing the news, Hoffman paid his tribute, saying,

“Harris Yulin was very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered.”

Yulin was a subtle but powerful presence in both film and theater. He leaves behind a rich and diverse life filled with meaningful relationships, unwavering artistry, and perseverance through grief.

Trending

Follow SoapCentral for more updates.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback