Devin Harjes, the beloved American TV actor renowned for his unforgettable performances in "Boardwalk Empire," "Daredevil," and "Gotham," passed away on May 27 in New York City. He was just 41 years old.
The news of Harjes' passing was shared through a heartfelt obituary posted on his official website, leaving fans and colleagues alike to mourn the loss of a truly remarkable talent.
Harjes' career was marked by memorable roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. In "Boardwalk Empire," he brought the legendary boxer Jack Dempsey to life across two pivotal episodes of Season 2. His nine-episode arc on the Netflix sci-fi drama "Manifest" saw him portraying Pete Baylor, a member of the notorious Meth Heads gang. As Oscar, a compassionate nurse at Rikers Island in "Daredevil," and as Clyde, a steadfast bank guard in "Gotham," Harjes demonstrated his ability to breathe authenticity into every character he played.
Beyond these notable roles, Harjes also graced the screen with his presence in series such as "Blue Bloods," "Orange Is the New Black," "Elementary," and "FBI." Each performance added another layer to his legacy as an actor who could effortlessly embody both strength and vulnerability.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, in July 1983, Harjes initially found his passion in caring for animals, particularly horses. However, this early love gave way to a burgeoning interest in acting, leading him to pursue his dreams within the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth theatre community. From there, he ventured to the bustling heart of artistic expression—New York City. It was here that Harjes honed his craft, contributing his talents to student films and off-Broadway productions before making waves in independent cinema. Notably, his role in "The Forest is Red" earned him the Best Actor award at Italy's Tolentino International Film Festival, while "The Boyz of Summer" further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Outside of acting, Harjes was deeply committed to martial arts, maintaining a disciplined routine at the gym—a habit he humorously referred to as being "safer than getting kicked in the face by a horse." This dedication reflected not only his physical resilience but also his boundless energy and zest for life.
Devin Harjes leaves behind a family who cherished him dearly: his parents, Randy and Rosanne Harjes, and his sister, Trich Harjes. Though his time was tragically cut short, his impact on those fortunate enough to know him—and all who admired his work—will endure forever.