William James Remar (born December 31, 1953) is an American actor. Some of his best known film roles are as Ajax in The Warriors (1979), as homicidal maniac Albert Ganz in 48 Hrs. (1982), as Dutch Schultz in The Cotton Club (1984), and as Lord Raiden in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). He has had smaller roles in many other notable films, including Drugstore Cowboy (1989), Boys on the Side (1995), Judge Dredd (1995), Psycho (1998), What Lies Beneath (2000), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2002), Blade: Tri
Did you know that James Remar was initially cast in the iconic role of Corporal Hicks in the sci-fi classic Aliens, even filming several scenes before a recasting led to Michael Biehn taking over?
While Remar gained early fame for his intense roles in films like The Warriors and 48 Hrs., his most sustained and beloved television role came as Harry Morgan in the Showtime series Dexter. For eight seasons, he portrayed Dexter's adoptive father and moral compass, appearing as a ghost-like figure and showcasing a nuanced performance that resonated deeply with audiences.
James Remar's legacy is defined by his consistent ability to embody complex, often intense characters with a distinctive gravitas, establishing him as a highly respected character actor. His gruff voice and commanding presence have left an indelible mark on numerous iconic genre productions across film and television.
Also known as: J. Remar, Jam Remar