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William Hurt, the Academy Award-winning actor known forKiss of the Spider Womanand his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has reportedly died. He was 71.
“It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the passing of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar winning actor, on March 13, 2022, one week before his 72nd birthday. He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time,” his son wrote.
Born March 20, 1950, in Washington, D.C., Hurt studied acting at Juilliard School and began performing with the Circle Repertory Company in 1977, the same year he made his onscreen debut inKojak. His first major role was in Ken Russell’s 1980 sci-fi filmAltered States, before he went on to success on the big screen through the ’80s with roles in such films asBody Heat,The Big Chill,Broadcast News, andThe Accidental Tourist.
William Hurt.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Hurt won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in 1985’sKiss of the Spider Woman. He also earned nominations for his roles inChildren of a Lesser God,Broadcast News, andA History of Violence.
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“I’m a character actor in a leading man’s body,” Hurttold PEOPLEin 1985. “I want more mask than, say, Spencer Tracy did. But I don’t ‘pretend’ to be somebody else. Acting isn’t schizoid like that. Acting is about telling the truth. And it’s an adventure. It isn’t about what I know before I do it. It’s about what I can discover while it’s happening.”
Columbia Tristar/Courtesy of Getty
Hurt was also well-known for portraying General Thaddeus Ross in five Marvel movies:The Incredible Hulk(2008),Captain America: Civil War(2016),Avengers: Infinity War(2018),Avengers: Endgame(2019), andBlack Widow(2021).
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“Grateful that I had the opportunity to work with William Hurt,“wroteTopher Grace, who starred with Hurt in 2011’sToo Big to Fail. “I admired his acting so much and watching his commitment in person was remarkable. My thoughts are with his family.
“Wow, another Major loss to the acting community. Great actor. Great mind. RIP,” Hurt’sAvengers: EndgamecostarMark Ruffalowrote.
After the book was published, Hurt released a statement saying, “My own recollection is that we both apologized and both did a great deal to heal our lives. Of course, I did and do apologize for any pain I caused. And I know we have both grown.”
source: people.com
