Bud Cort Dies: ‘Harold and Maude’ Star Was 77
Bud Cort, the actor celebrated for his nuanced performance in the dark comedy Harold and Maude, has died at the age of 77. His death occurred in Connecticut following a long illness, according to reports.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Cort’s career began after being discovered by Robert Altman while performing in a revue. Altman subsequently cast him in both M*A*S*H and Brewster McCloud. However, it was his portrayal of a death-obsessed young man in Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude that brought him widespread recognition.
Despite initial lukewarm reception from critics and audiences, Harold and Maude evolved into a cult classic, eventually being included on the American Film Institute’s list of the funniest films ever made. Cort himself remarked in 2012, “As I was reading the script I immediately knew it was going to be a classic film for the ages.” He attributed the film’s success to its audience connection.
Typecasting and Continued Work
The role in Harold and Maude, while defining, presented challenges for Cort. He noted in 2014 that it was “a blessing and a curse,” leading to frequent offers for similar “weirdo” characters. He even turned down the role of Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, initially hoping for the lead role.
Throughout the 1970s, Cort continued to appear in films like Why Shoot the Teacher? and a television adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Bernice Bobs Her Hair, alongside Shelley Duvall. His career faced a setback in 1979 when a car accident resulted in serious injuries, including a broken arm and leg and necessitated plastic surgery.
Cort resumed acting in the 1980s, appearing in films such as Love Letters and Invaders from Mars. His work continued into the 1990s with roles in Dogma and But I’m a Cheerleader, and later included appearances in films like Coyote Ugly, The Number 23, and Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He also lent his voice to animated series including Batman, The Mask, and Superman.
A second car accident in 2011, which nearly resulted in the loss of his arm, reportedly made it more difficult to secure work in subsequent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bud Cort best known for?
Bud Cort was best known for his role in the dark comedy Harold and Maude, where he played a death-obsessed young man.
Who discovered Bud Cort?
Bud Cort was discovered by Robert Altman while performing in a revue, leading to roles in M*A*S*H and Brewster McCloud.
Did Bud Cort ever regret taking the role in Harold and Maude?
Bud Cort described the role as “a blessing and a curse,” acknowledging that it led to him being typecast in similar roles.
As the film industry continues to evolve, how will the legacies of actors like Bud Cort, who navigated both cult fame and career challenges, be remembered and celebrated?