Bud Cort, Iconic Star of 'Harold and Maude,' Passes Away at 77
Bud Cort, the actor renowned for his unforgettable portrayal of Harold in the 1971 cult classic Harold and Maude, has died. He was 77 years old. The news was confirmed by his close friend, writer-producer Dorian Hannaway, who stated that Cort passed away on Wednesday in Connecticut after battling a long illness, as reported by the BBC.
A Career Defined by a Cult Classic
In the Hal Ashby-directed dark comedy, Cort played Harold, a 20-year-old man fascinated by suicide whose life transforms upon meeting Maude, a 79-year-old Holocaust survivor portrayed by Ruth Gordon. This role became the cornerstone of his career, earning him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations and cementing his place in cinematic history. Over his decades-long career, Cort appeared in more than 80 films and television series, but it was his performance in Harold and Maude that resonated most deeply with audiences worldwide.
Tributes from the Film Community
Director Edgar Wright paid heartfelt tribute to Cort on social media, describing him as "an unforgettable Bud Cort, a welcome and magnetic presence in every film lucky enough to have him." Wright urged movie lovers to revisit the film, calling it "a pitch perfect black comedy-cum-love story for the ages" and praising Cort's ability to break the fourth wall. Cort's work also garnered recognition from the Critics Choice Awards and Boston Society of Film Critics Awards for his role in Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Early Life and Diverse Roles
Born Walter Edward Cox in Rye, New York in 1948, he changed his name to Bud Cort to avoid confusion with character actor Wally Cox. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, he was discovered by director Robert Altman in a revue, leading to a small part in M*A*S*H and later the lead role in Brewster McCloud. His filmography includes diverse projects such as:
- The Chocolate War
- Invaders from Mars
- Heat
- Dogma
- Coyote Ugly
On television, Cort appeared in series like Arrested Development, Ugly Betty, and Criminal Minds. He also lent his voice to animated projects, including Superman: The Animated Series and the English-language version of The Little Prince, which won the César Award for Best Animated Film in 2016.
Legacy and Survivors
Bud Cort is survived by his brother, three sisters, and their families. A memorial service is planned for a future date in Los Angeles, according to Variety. His death marks the loss of a unique talent whose work continues to inspire and captivate film enthusiasts around the globe.
