'Boardwalk Empire' star Devin Harjes dies at 41 just three months after he was diagnosed with cancer

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Devin Harjes, best known for his magnificent performances in TV shows like ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘Daredevil’, and ‘Gotham’, has died at the age of 41.

The actor died on Tuesday, May 27, at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City due to complications from cancer, which he was diagnosed with in February, according to a spokesperson. Additional details about his illness weren't provided.

"He was an artist of great conviction who never gave less than one hundred percent to any role he undertook," his representative said in a statement, as per NBC.

"As a person, he was generous, kind, understanding, and devoted to his family and friends, a great horseback rider, and had a magic way with all animals," they added.

Devin is survived by his parents, Randy and Rosanne Harjes; his former wife, actress Shiva Shobitha; his sister, Trish Harjes, and her husband, Justin Kelley; his nephews, Tristin and Sawyer Kelley; his nieces, Rory and Charly Kelley; and his beloved cat, Maude.

Devin Harjes’ reel and real life

Devin Harjes was born on July 29, 1983, in Lubbock, Texas, and grew up with horses at his home outside of the town.

“His life began with the rhythm of hooves and the open plains — just three days after he was born, his father carried him and his sister on horseback,” his obituary read.

“That early bond with animals and the rodeo spirit stayed with him and later became the unlikely but perfect foundation for a life in the performing arts,” it added.

Devin studied acting in college before starting his career in the Dallas-Fort Worth theatre scene. He then moved to New York, where he earned his start with roles in off-Broadway productions of musicals and plays like ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’.

In 2011, the actor finally made his TV debut with his iconic portrayal of heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey in two episodes of HBO's critically acclaimed series, ‘Boardwalk Empire’.

His career would take off in 2015, when he landed the role of Clyde, a bank guard in the TV DC series ‘Gotham’. Harjes also appeared in a Marvel project that year, playing Oscar, a nurse working at the infamous Rikers Island, in the Netflix series ‘Daredevil’.

Devin then went on to build an impressive portfolio with roles in ‘Blue Bloods’, ‘Orange Is the New Black’, ‘Elementary’, and ‘FBI’.

He won the award for Best Actor at the Tolentino International Film Festival in Italy for 2012's ‘The Forest Is Red’, according to the obituary on his website.

Friends and fans pay tribute to Devin Harjes after his death at 41

Tributes have been pouring in for Devin Harjes following his death.

‘Boyz of Summer’ director Antonio DiFonzo shared his grief on Facebook, writing, “Terribly sad news as we lost Devin Harjes, an amazing actor and friend.”

“He was constantly striving to be better and put his heart and soul into everything he did! We will never forget you and your amazing part in The Boyz of Summer and our lives. Rest in peace, Lion Heart!” he continued.

Filmmaker Debra Markowitz shared her condolences on Instagram, where she wrote, “So sorry to hear about the passing of LIIFE alumnus Devin Harjes. Way too young. RIP Devin.”

"My condolences to his friends and family, and may his soul rest in peace. He will be missed," one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another said, "41 from cancer absolutely terrible. RIP. Cancer sucks," whereas one more wrote, “DEVIN was a passionate man with a hard charging drive for excellence in his acting, who loved to laugh and look for the humor in life’s many curves.”

“Devin Harjes gave the strongest of portrayals as Heavyweight Boxing Champ Jack Dempsey in 'Boardwalk Empire'. (Saw him in DVD episodes I rewatched just last week) His acting was smooth & bang-on with everything I've heard about Dempsey. #RIP,” read another tweet.

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