SUMMARY
- Bud Cort passed away at 77 following a prolonged illness in Connecticut.
- Cort’s career spanned film, television, and voice acting, with roles in both mainstream and independent projects.
- His portrayal of offbeat, eccentric characters influenced generations of filmmakers and earned enduring fan admiration.
LOS ANGELES — Bud Cort, the actor best known for his role as the unconventional young man in the cult classic Harold and Maude, has died at age 77 in Connecticut after a long illness, according to Variety.
Cort achieved international recognition with his role in Hal Ashby’s 1971 dark comedy Harold and Maude, playing a death obsessed young man who forms an unlikely bond with a 79 year old woman, portrayed by Ruth Gordon.
The performance earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations and has remained a defining role in American cinema despite initial mixed reviews.
Born Walter Edward Cox on March 29, 1948, in Rye, New York, Cort adopted his stage name early in his career. He was discovered by director Robert Altman while performing in a theater revue, leading to supporting roles in MASH* and Brewster McCloud.
Cort’s career included comedies, dramas, and television appearances, and he remained active in voice acting for animated series including Batman and Superman.
Film scholar Dr. Melissa Anderson of New York University said Cort’s work “helped expand the boundaries of character acting, presenting offbeat personalities with nuance and depth.”
Leonard Jacobs, a film historian at the University of Southern California, added, “Cort’s portrayal in Harold and Maude was a blueprint for the modern cinematic antihero, influencing both independent and studio filmmakers.”
Dorian Hannaway, a producer who worked with Cort, said, “Bud had a way of making every project feel unique. His presence was unforgettable.”
Tara Emerson, an animator and voice collaborator, added, “He brought creativity and dedication to every role, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues.”
Tributes and retrospective screenings of Cort’s films are expected at festivals and theaters worldwide, celebrating his contributions to film, television, and animation.
His legacy as a distinctive, influential performer will continue to inspire actors and audiences alike.
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