Actor Devin Lee Harjes, known for his television roles in “Boardwalk Empire,” “Daredevil” and “Gotham,” died Tuesday, May 27, at Mount Sinai West hospital in New York City. He was 41 years old.
Harjes died from complications related to cancer, which he was diagnosed with in February 2025, according to his representative David Williams. Williams confirmed the actor’s death to multiple news outlets on Sunday, June 1.
Born on July 29, 1983, in Lubbock, Texas, Harjes developed an early connection with animals and horses. His obituary noted that just three days after he was born, his father carried him and his sister on horseback, establishing a bond with animals and the rodeo spirit that remained with him throughout his life.
Harjes studied acting in college and launched his career in the Dallas-Fort Worth theater community before relocating to New York City to pursue professional opportunities. He began working on student films, off-Broadway shows and independent productions to build his acting resume.
The actor made his television debut in 2011, portraying legendary boxer Jack Dempsey in two episodes of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” during the show’s second season. This role alongside Steve Buscemi, Michael Kenneth Williams and Michael Pitt established his presence in television drama.
Harjes expanded his television career with appearances across multiple popular series. In Marvel’s “Daredevil,” he played Oscar, a nurse who worked at Rikers Island. In DC’s “Gotham,” he portrayed Clyde, a bank guard. His additional television credits included “Orange is the New Black,” “Blue Bloods,” “FBI,” and “Elementary.”
Most recently, Harjes appeared as Pete Baylor in nine episodes of NBC’s “Manifest” during the show’s third season, playing a member of a drug group known as the Meth Heads. This recurring role marked some of his final television work before his death.
Beyond television, Harjes worked extensively in independent cinema. He starred in “The Forest Is Red,” which earned him the best actor award at Italy’s Tolentino International Film Festival. He also appeared in “Boyz of Summer,” “Rebel in the Rye,” “When the Shadow Falls,” and “Surprise Surprise, Mr. Conovy,” among other film projects.
Director Antonio DiFonzo, who worked with Harjes on “Boyz of Summer,” paid tribute to the actor on Facebook Friday. DiFonzo described Harjes as an amazing actor and friend who constantly strived to improve and put his heart and soul into everything he did. The director expressed that they would never forget Harjes and his contribution to the film and their lives.
Williams, Harjes’ representative, described the actor as an artist of great conviction who never gave less than one hundred percent to any role he undertook. Williams stated, “As a person, he was generous, kind, understanding and devoted to his family and friends.”
According to his obituary, Harjes maintained interests beyond acting. He was a dedicated student of martial arts and regularly attended the gym, often joking that it was safer than getting kicked in the face by a horse. The actor split his time between locations near the Rocky Mountains, West Texas plains, and Hell’s Kitchen in New York City.
Filmmaker Debra Markowitz also shared condolences on Instagram, describing Harjes’ death as occurring at a much too young age. The sentiment reflected the broader entertainment industry’s response to losing an actor who had built a steady career across multiple television series and independent films.
Harjes is survived by his parents, Randy and Rosanne Harjes; his sister Trish Harjes and her husband Justin Kelley; his nephews Tristin and Sawyer Kelley; his nieces Rory and Charly Kelley; his former wife and “Gotham” actress Shiva Shobitha; and his cat, Maude.
In lieu of flowers, Harjes’ family requested donations be made to TKC Blessings in his name. All proceeds will support scholarships for children pursuing careers in the arts, continuing his connection to the creative community that defined his professional life.