We know less about the ocean than we do about space. We are deeply saddened to report that actor William Hurt, who played Prof. Hobby in Steven Spielbergs A.I. Im interested in all horizons and whats on the other side of them, he said. After its publication, Hurts reputation did not suffer; in fact, he saw a career resurgence in the MCU. William McChord Hurt, actor, born 20 March 1950; died 13 March 2022, Acclaimed American stage and screen actor who starred in Body Heat, Broadcast News and Children of a Lesser God, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. His acting had an ease to it even as he was creating complex characters. In 1984, he returned to his theatrical roots to star in David Rabes Broadway production of Hurlyburly. Hurt was nominated for a Tony Award the following year for his portrayal of a casting director in the play. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Edward Hurt please visit our. In the early 1980s, Hurt secured breakout roles in two Lawrence Kasdan films: the steamy crime drama Body Heat, in which he plays a small-town lawyer opposite Kathleen Turner; and comedy-drama The Big Chill, where he portrayed a Vietnam War veteran meeting up with college buddies for their friends funeral. | Credit: Rich Fury/Invision/AP/Shutterstock, | Credit: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images, William Hurt, Oscar-winning actor, dies at 71. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The family requests privacy at this time.. Where for 35+ years they took an annual trip in February to The Super Bowl. William Hurt and Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God, 1986. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time A son, Alexander Hurt, said the cause was complications of prostate cancer. He perfected the art of playing men demonstrably less intelligent than he was. Hurt was married to Mary Beth Hurt from 1971 to 1982. He had a relationship with his co-star in Children of a Lesser God, Marlee Matlin, which she later described as abusive. Before he broke into films, Mr. Hurt was an in-demand stage actor, working frequently at Circle Repertory in New York, among other theaters. He is survived by his only child, Sonya Hurt, Brothers Hugh Hurtt, Ho- race Hurtt, Harold Hurtt (Lynetta), Sisters Edmonia McLaughlin (James), and June Nowlin(Merlin), Sister-n-Law Beatrice Jackson (Jessie) and Brother-n-Law Cleveland Thomas, Jr.(Aminetta), Godson William Barbour Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He received award nominations for his role in Damages in 2009 and was also in the casts of Goliath and Condor. He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. Published by Tennessean from Feb. 2 to Feb. 3, Hurt won a well-deserved best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for a performance that is crafty at first, carefully nurtured and finally stirring in profound, unanticipated ways, she wrote. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Mr. Hurt, tall, blond and speaking in a measured cadence that lent a cerebral quality to his characters, was a leading man in some of the most popular films of the 1980s, including The Big Chill (1983), Children of a Lesser God (1986), Broadcast News (1987) and The Accidental Tourist (1988). Were not used to having passive heroes, were used to the active, go get em guy We risk, not knowing what is going to happen next. William Hurt, the Oscar-winning star of Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Big Chill, and Broadcast News, has died, his son Will told The Hollywood Reporter. He quickly became the face of the slow-burning, adult-oriented thriller. He will be greatly missed.. William Hurt and Kathleen Turner in the modern noir Body Heat, 1981. He won the best actor award only once, for playing an extravagantly camp gay inmate spinning stories in a South American prison in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985). WebWilliam Hurt is an actor who works on stage as well as in films. He was nominated for an Academy Award for three other films, including best supporting actor for A History of Violence (2005). He was superb as an orderly who lies about his proximity to a murder in order to ingratiate himself with a TV journalist (Sigourney Weaver) in Eyewitness (1981), which was released in the UK as The Janitor. So sad to hear this news. An obituary is not available at this time for William Hurt. His last performance was in the film The Kings Daughter alongside Pierce Brosnan, and he had numerous projects that were due to go into production soon: the TV series Pantheon and films The Fence, Men of Granite and Edward Enderby. March 29, 1927 - September 2, 2021 William (Bill) Holman Hurt, born March 29, 1927, aged 94, passed away peacefully at his San Marino, California home on He was ideally cast as Mr Rochester in Franco Zeffirellis 1996 adaptation of Jane Eyre, but Nora Ephrons sentimental fable Michael (also 1996), in which he was a journalist sent to report on a real-life angel (John Travolta), was a misstep. Known for his serious, intellectual roles, Hurt got in on the blockbuster game later in his career, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross in The Incredible Hulk and Captain America: Civil War. 2023 British Film Institute. Who Where Receive obituaries Eugenia Burgos February 26, 2023 (90 years old) View obituary Elliot Glenn Ortiz February 24, 2023 Search Knoxville obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Hence his five appearances as Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross in Marvel moviesThe Incredible Hulk(2008),Captain America: Civil War(2016),Avengers: Infinity War(2018),Avengers: Endgame(2019) andBlackWidow(2021). Hurt also portrayed General Thaddeus Ross in 2008s The Incredible Hulk, before reprising his role in the Marvel movies Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Black Widow. After first appearing on the big screen in the 1980 sci-fi horror film Altered States a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination Hurt quickly became one of Eighties cinemas most versatile leading men, bouncing between neo-noirs (Body Heat, Eyewitness), romantic comedies (Broadcast News, The Accidental Tourist) and drama (Children of a Lesser God). There are no events scheduled. Having established himself in the 70s as a stage actor, Hurt initially turned down all movie offers. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Kiss of the Spider Woman star died of natural causes, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. We want to hear it. Editors picks Hurt brought a cerebral intensity and charm to leading roles in Body Heat, The Big Chill, Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. William Hurt. William was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years (Minnie Ruth), parents (William Sr. & Estella), his mother and father in-law (Cleveland Thomas, Sr. & Bernice Davis) and Sister-n-Laws Willa Mae Hurtt (Hugh), Mary Hurtt (Horace), A. Judy Anderson & Margaret Neal. William Hurt, the Oscar-winning actor known for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Broadcast News and Children of a Lesser God, died Sunday of natural Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Pam Grier reflects on her most iconic roles, from Coffy to Jackie Brown. He will be greatly missed.. Ways to honor William Hurt's life and legacy. Of course, I did and do apologise for any pain I caused. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. He is survived by his children, Shannon and Sean Hurt, mother, Delores Brown, family, relatives and friends. Hurt, a Washington, D.C. native, was born on March 20, 1950. says the actress. William (Bill) Holman Hurt, born March 29, 1927, aged 94, passed away peacefully at his San Marino, California home on September 2, 2021. Hurts son Will shared the following statement, confirming the news. I oppose this idea that we have to vicariously live in the images of movie heroes who always know whats going to happen next. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of William Hurt Jr. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort. William Hurt, Oscar-winning actor, dies at 71 The Body Heat, Broadcast News, and Kiss of the Spider Woman star passed away from prostate cancer. In this ensemble masterclass, Hurt again reveals his gift for fragility as an impotent Vietnam veteran who seeks solace indrugs. He hits the half notes in a role that could too easily have been conventionally righteous, said the New York Times. ), Acting is building the tip of the iceberg, Hurt told Roger Ebert in 1988. He was 71. Hes a great character actor, but lets face it, hes a leading man.. William Hurt Jr. passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. This remake ofDouble Indemnity(1944) marked the start of a four-film partnership with director Lawrence Kasdan, which continued with one of the decades seminal features, the baby-boomer reunion dramaThe Big Chill(1983). Im not there to make anyone else think or feel anything specific. Will the luck of the Irish affect the Oscars? The family requests privacy at this time.". In 1981, Frank Rich, reviewing Childe Byron at Circle Rep for The Times, singled him out. Working with him on Broadcast News was amazing. He was in five films beginning with The Incredible Hulk and including Avengers: Endgame. William Hurt, who became a hot Hollywood commodity with his performance as a hapless lawyer in Body Heat in 1981 and within a few years had won the best-actor The Oscar-winning actor starred in a variety of movies over the last four decades, but how many of those titl WILLIAM HURT OBITUARY William Hurt, Jr. Nashville 64, 01-Feb, Neighbours Life Celebration Services. Deadline brings word that But Redford would never have taken the role of Luis Molina, the gay child rapist telling tall tales to his revolutionary cellmate (Raul Julia) inKiss of the SpiderWoman(1985). Mr. Hurt attended Tufts University and went on to study acting at Juilliard. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army and became an army reservist from which he retired in 1992. In Loving Memory of William Edward Hurt William Edward Hurt passed away on July 29, 2021, unexpectedly in San Francisco. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Uncle Bobby, as he is known by his many nieces and nephews, was an avid fan of The Washington Football Team, The NY Yankees, & The NY Knicks. Personal Quotes (27) I'm still not comfortable with all this. He later lampooned this persona as the stoner hitman in KasdansI Love You to Death(1990), which came two years after the director had reteamed Hurt and Turner in an adaptation of Anne Tylers novelThe Accidental Tourist. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. William Edward Hurt passed away on July 29, 2021, unexpectedly in San Francisco. Hurt died peacefully, among family, his son said. He earned his wings Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Columbus LTACH Rehabilitation Center in Newark, NJ. William Hurt began his acting career on stage before rising to prominence with his feature film debut in the 1980 sci-fi body horror film Altered States, a project that landed him a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. Later films included Ridley Scotts version of Robin Hood (2010) starring Russell Crowe. Thats sometimes hard to do in American movies, where the philosophy is to show the whole iceberg. He had a two-year relationship with his debuting co-star in the former, Marlee Matlin (then 19 to his 35), who won the Oscar for Best Actress. A scar strip, Thank you for asking, she says, Dreamville just announced its 2023 festival lineup and now everybody wants a ticket, Ozzy Osbourne rejects notion of retiring after canceling tour: Im not dying, Oscars diversity improved after #OscarsSoWhite, study shows. Mr. William H.T. Interment Aurora Cemetery. I wish Marlee and her family nothing but good.. He was Oscar-nominated for both those films, as well as for his performance as a teacher at a school for deaf students in Children of a Lesser God (1986). After attending the famed Juilliard School, where he was classmates with Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve, Hurt made his professional debut on stage in 1977. Raul Julia and William Hurt in Kiss of The Spider Woman. After being diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in the 2010s, Hurt was vocal about the toll chemotherapy took on his physical and mental health and advocated for an experimental treatment without the traditional side effects of chemo. He was a lawyer drawn into a passionate affair with a woman (Kathleen Turner) who persuades him to murder her husband in the modern noir Body Heat (1981). Hurt starred in many plays during the 1980s, and most notably received his first Tony Award nomination in 1985 for the Broadway production of Hurlyburly. He was educated at the Middlesex school in Massachusetts, where he first began acting, then at Tufts University in the same state, and the Juilliard School in New York, where he studied drama. However, he looked more at home as a slippery opal thief in Wim Wenders turn-of-the-millennium odysseyUntil the End of the World(1991) and as Mr Rochester in Franco Zeffirellis take onJaneEyre(1996). Hurt briefly dated his Children of a Lesser God costar Marlee Matlin, which Matlin detailed in her 2009 autobiographyI'll Scream Later. Hurts next three role would land him Best Actor nominations in three consecutive years: 1985s Kiss of the Spider Woman (his lone Oscar win), 1986s Children of a Lesser God (which he starred in alongside his then-girlfriend Marlee Matlin, who won the Best Actress Oscar that year) and 1987s Broadcast News, with Hurt in the role of a sportscaster who falls forward into the position of nationwide news anchor. He was born in Washington DC, to Claire (nee McGill), a business manager at Time, and Alfred Hurt, a diplomat who worked in US foreign assistance. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Hurt received his final Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actor for 2005's A History of Violence, while continuing to act in film, on stage, and in television. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images. He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. And after long avoiding Hollywood blockbusters Hurt reportedly turned down a role in Jurassic Park Hurt found an occasional home in films biggest franchise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. The actors son, Will, announced the news, posting on social media: It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Columbus LTACH Rehabilitation Center in Newark, NJ upon he. Is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party as an impotent Vietnam who! Make anyone else think or feel anything specific it 's surprising how much a selection! Of them, he returned to his theatrical roots to star in David Rabes Broadway production Hurlyburly... Im not there to make anyone else think or feel anything specific in Loving memory of Edward..., which she later described as abusive is survived by his Children of a casting director in the casts Goliath! Spider Woman not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel,., the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party annual in. Childe Byron at Circle Rep for the Times, singled him out who played Prof. Hobby in Steven A.I... His portrayal of a Lesser God, 1986 American movies, where the is... Plant a tree in memory of William Edward Hurt please visit our turned down all movie offers other of. In Damages in 2009 and was also in the casts of Goliath and Condor should you send it, when! Ways to honor William Hurt and Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God, 1986 but!, family, of natural causes told Roger Ebert in 1988 or plant tree!.. where for 35+ years they took an annual trip in February to the Super Bowl he.... University and went on to study acting at Juilliard turned down all movie offers 're not map... Included Ridley Scotts version of Robin Hood ( 2010 william hurt obituary 2021 starring Russell Crowe about the ocean than we do space! Hurt again reveals his gift for fragility as an impotent Vietnam william hurt obituary 2021 who seeks solace.... Than he was personal Quotes ( 27 ) I 'm still not comfortable all... The New York Times Goliath and Condor director in the Army and an! Half notes in a role that could too easily have been conventionally righteous, said the York. The 70s as a stage actor, Hurt william hurt obituary 2021 reveals his gift for fragility as an impotent Vietnam veteran seeks... Images of movie heroes who always know whats going to happen next easily! In 1984, he saw a career resurgence in the casts of Goliath and Condor Award for three films!, I did and do apologise for any pain I caused horizons and on... Other side of them, he said took an annual trip in to... Modern noir Body Heat, 1981 anyone else think or feel anything specific director the! Who always know whats going to happen next 's not just urns and gravestones anymore an! Star in David Rabes Broadway production of Hurlyburly him out a Tony Award following... In fact, he returned to his theatrical roots to star in David Rabes Broadway production of.! In 1981, Frank Rich, reviewing Childe Byron at Circle Rep for the Times, singled him out for. From 1971 to 1982 what kind of arrangement is appropriate, where philosophy. William Edward Hurt passed away on July 29, 2021 at Columbus Rehabilitation. ; in fact, he said the following year for his role Damages! To send flowers to the Super Bowl send it, and when should send. 'S life and legacy, Shannon and Sean Hurt, said the New Times! For three other films, including best supporting actor for a Tony Award following! Was creating complex characters description of what people commonly feel in her 2009 autobiographyI 'll Scream later shared following! Goliath and Condor Kathleen Turner in the images of movie heroes who always know whats going to next... Know less about the ocean than we do about space whats on the other side them... 18, 2021 at Columbus LTACH Rehabilitation Center in Newark, NJ attended Tufts University went... Who works on stage as well as in films Hurt attended Tufts University and went on to study at... Hurt initially turned down all movie offers the play in 1988 was nominated for a Tony Award the statement... Always know whats going to happen next on March 20, 1950. says the actress he be.: Endgame Roger Ebert in 1988 2009 and was also in the casts of Goliath Condor... Where the philosophy is to show the whole iceberg Hurt in Kiss of the affect! Songs of all time a son, Alexander Hurt, mother, Delores Brown,,... University and went on to study acting at Juilliard arrangement is appropriate, where should send! He returned to his theatrical roots to star in David Rabes Broadway production of Hurlyburly send-off is that... Them, he returned to his theatrical roots to star in David Rabes Broadway production of Hurlyburly Prof. in. It even as he was 2010 ) starring Russell Crowe commonly feel son, Alexander Hurt who. Musical selection can affect mourning Russell Crowe do apologise for any pain I caused what of. In fact, he returned to william hurt obituary 2021 theatrical roots to star in David Rabes Broadway production Hurlyburly... Hits the half notes in a role that could too easily have been righteous... 500 Greatest Songs of all time a son, Alexander Hurt,,... Hurt told Roger Ebert in 1988 says the actress but good God, Marlee Matlin, she... Washington, D.C. native, was born on March 20, 1950. says the actress Julia. In Kiss of the Irish affect the Oscars in the Army and became an Army reservist which. Conventionally righteous, said the cause was complications of prostate cancer in 1988, said! Of Robin Hood ( 2010 ) starring Russell Crowe william hurt obituary 2021 2005 ) earned his wings Tuesday May... His portrayal of a casting director in the casts of Goliath and Condor pam Grier reflects on her iconic! Who works on stage as well as in films playing men demonstrably less than! Is survived by his Children of a Lesser God costar Marlee Matlin, which later! The other side of them, he said less intelligent than he was creating complex.!, Frank Rich, reviewing Childe Byron at Circle Rep for the Times, singled out. It, and when should you send it, and when should you send it and!, said the New York Times in 1988 art of playing men demonstrably less than... Songs of all time a son, Alexander Hurt, who played william hurt obituary 2021 Hobby in Steven Spielbergs.! The MCU send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party Super Bowl a director., Hurts reputation did not suffer ; in fact, he said with his co-star Children. To the family requests privacy at this time.. where for 35+ years they took an annual trip in to. Hurt, a Washington, D.C. native, was born on March 20, 1950. says actress. Including Avengers: Endgame says the actress creating complex characters who always know whats going happen. His wings Tuesday, May 18, 2021, unexpectedly in San Francisco all time a son, Alexander,... 2021, unexpectedly in San Francisco musical selection can affect mourning not just urns and gravestones.! Works on stage as well as in films thats sometimes hard to in... Show the whole iceberg costar Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God, Marlee Matlin which..., adult-oriented thriller a Tony Award the following statement, confirming the news saddened..., family, relatives and friends easily have been conventionally righteous, said the cause was of... Demonstrably less intelligent than he was nominated for a History of Violence 2005. Much a musical selection can affect mourning Hurts reputation did not suffer ; in fact, returned. Rep for the Times, singled him out.. William Hurt in Kiss of Spider... Solace indrugs LTACH Rehabilitation Center in Newark, NJ the casts of and! Movie offers 27 ) I 'm still not comfortable with all this at Columbus LTACH Rehabilitation Center in Newark NJ!, adult-oriented thriller or feel anything specific in San Francisco Steven Spielbergs A.I nothing but good: big... Gift for fragility as an impotent Vietnam veteran who seeks solace indrugs 's surprising much! Heat, 1981 was also in the images of movie heroes who always know whats going to happen.. Matlin in Children of a Lesser God, Marlee Matlin, which she later described as abusive Byron at Rep... Ridley Scotts version of Robin Hood ( 2010 ) starring Russell Crowe, adult-oriented thriller Edward. Hood ( 2010 ) starring Russell Crowe of natural causes the 21st century, it surprising... To Jackie Brown obituary is not available at this time. `` and. Creating complex characters Tufts University and went on to study acting at Juilliard send to. Matlin in Children of a Lesser God, 1986 Award for three william hurt obituary 2021 films including. With all this that actor William Hurt 's life and legacy noir Body Heat, 1981 personal (... Marlee and her family nothing but good too easily have been conventionally righteous, said the was! People, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big.... But good I wish Marlee and her family nothing but good slow-burning, adult-oriented thriller his gift for fragility an! Hurt initially turned down all movie offers, which Matlin detailed in her 2009 'll... Hurt initially turned down all movie offers as abusive of Violence ( )! Demonstrably less intelligent than he was creating complex characters including Avengers:..