Bud Cort, the actor who became a counterculture icon for his role in the dark comedy Harold and Maude, has died. He was 77.
According to Variety, the actor passed away in Connecticut following a long illness.
The Role That Defined a Career
Cort was originally discovered in a revue by legendary director Robert Altman, who cast him in M*A*S*H and Brewster McCloud. However, it was his collaboration with Hal Ashby that cemented his place in film history.
In Harold and Maude, Cort played a death-obsessed young man who develops a romantic relationship with a 79-year-old Holocaust survivor, played by Ruth Gordon.
- Reception: While initially misunderstood by critics and audiences, the film eventually became a beloved cult classic.
- Accolades: The performance earned Cort both Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
- Legacy: The American Film Institute now includes it on their list of the funniest films ever made.
Reflecting on the role in 2012, Cort said:
“As I was reading the script I immediately knew it was going to be a classic film for the ages… Truthfully, its success came from the people.”
A Life of Resilience
Cort’s career was marked by incredible highs and devastating setbacks. He admitted in 2014 that Harold and Maude was a “blessing and a curse,” as he was often typecast as “weirdo” characters. He notably turned down the role of Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, a decision he later regretted.+1
His life off-screen was equally dramatic.
- 1979 Accident: A severe car accident left him with a broken arm and leg, requiring facial plastic surgery and halting his career momentum.
- 2011 Accident: A second accident nearly severed his arm, making it difficult for him to find work in his later years.
An Eclectic Filmography
Despite these challenges, Cort built an impressive and eclectic resume over the decades.
- 80s & 90s: He appeared in Love Letters, Invaders from Mars, Kevin Smith’s Dogma, and the queer classic But I’m a Cheerleader.
- Wes Anderson: A new generation of fans discovered him through The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
- TV & Voice: His distinct voice and presence graced shows like Arrested Development, Criminal Minds, and the animated Batman series
Also Read : Jill Zarin Fired from RHONY Reboot After Racist Bad Bunny Comments
