Harry Hains, an actor known in the States for short stints in programs like American Horror Story and Netflix’s viral (post cancellation) series The OA, recently died at the young age of 27. News broke this week about the actor’s death through Hains’ mother, Jane Badler, who confirmed the news on social media this week. The actor passed away just a few days ago on January 7 of this year.
In a touching post, Jane Badler asked friends and family to “please join us to celebrate this truly extraordinary life,” also noting that throughout his life, the long-haired actor did struggle with mental illness and addiction. Badler did not confirm the exact cause of Harry Hains’ death, but did note her son “had the world at his feet.”
Harry Hains was a character actor in Hollywood. One of his earliest roles was in a 2015 episode of American Horror Story, in which he played a young man in the series’ Hotel season who encountered Jeffrey Dahmer, who returns to the Hotel Cortez on Devil’s Night every year for a dinner with fellow serial killers. Harry Hains was involved in a key scene involving a gift and ultimately a death.
That role led to others on the small screen. Most prominently the actor had a multi-episode stint on the TV series The Deleted, but he also appeared in programs like The OA and Bryan Cranston's Sneaky Pete. He had a slew of more prominent indie gigs coming up as well, including roles in Mirrors and Caihong City, which are both currently listed as being in post-production.
Harry Hains' last social post came just after the New Year and spoke of "moving forward" and "staying present" in the new era of the 2020s.
In a longer post, Hains' mother Jane Badler, who is a singer, actor and producer in her own right, also shared more information about how his friends and family in the States can pay their respects to her son.
It's always tough to hear about a young person's life being snuffed out so soon, particularly when that person seems to have been struggling before his or her death. If you are struggling with addiction and need help, you don't have to go it alone. The substance abuse and mental services health services administration has a health hotline available 24/7. You can get into touch with them at 1-800-662-HELP.
There will be a Memorial for Harry Hains on Sunday, January 12 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. In the meantime, our thoughts go out to the actors' family and friends during this difficult time.
