Bud Cort, Celebrated Actor from Harold and Maude, Passes Away at 77
Bud Cort, the actor best known for his iconic role in the dark comedy Harold and Maude, has died at the age of 77. According to reports from Variety, Cort passed away in Connecticut following a prolonged illness, marking the end of a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on cinema.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Cort was originally discovered by director Robert Altman while performing in a revue, leading to roles in films such as M*A*S*H and Brewster McCloud. However, it was his performance in Hal Ashby's Harold and Maude that defined his career. In the film, Cort portrayed a death-obsessed young man who forms an unlikely relationship with Ruth Gordon's 79-year-old Holocaust survivor, a role that earned him Golden Globe and Bafta nominations.
The Cult Classic That Defined a Generation
Initially, Harold and Maude received mixed reviews from critics and audiences but later gained a devoted following, becoming a cult classic. It was even included on the American Film Institute's list of the funniest films ever made. In a 2012 interview, Cort reflected on the film's legacy, stating, "As I was reading the script I immediately knew it was going to be a classic film for the ages. There was no denying it. The studio was stumped on how to publicise it … truthfully, its success came from the people."
Challenges and Typecasting
Despite the film's success, Cort faced challenges, including being typecast in weirdo roles. In 2014, he told the Guardian that Harold and Maude was "a blessing and a curse", as it limited his opportunities. He notably turned down the role of Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, hoping for the lead, but after Jack Nicholson was cast, it was too late to reconsider.
Career Highlights and Personal Struggles
In the 1970s, Cort starred in projects like the comedy drama Why Shoot the Teacher? and a TV adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Bernice Bobs Her Hair with Shelley Duvall. His career was interrupted by a serious car accident in 1979, resulting in broken limbs and requiring plastic surgeries. He made a comeback in the 1980s with roles in films such as Love Letters and Invaders From Mars.
Later Work and Voice Acting
The 1990s saw Cort in films like Kevin Smith's Dogma and But I'm a Cheerleader, followed by appearances in Coyote Ugly, The Number 23, and Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. On television, he featured in shows including Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds, and Arrested Development. Additionally, he lent his voice to animated series such as Batman, The Mask, and Superman.
Final Years and Legacy
In 2011, Cort was involved in another car accident that nearly tore off his arm, making it difficult for him to find work in subsequent years. His passing marks the loss of a unique talent whose contributions to film, particularly through Harold and Maude, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
