William Hurt was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Children of a Lesser God,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” and “A History of Violence.” He gained acclaim for both his stage and film performances, becoming a respected figure in the movie industry.
Personal and Family Life
William McChord Hurt was born in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 1950. He was the son of Claire Isabel McGill and Alfred McChord Hurt, who worked in the State Department. Hurt was married twice and had four children from his marriages. He was known for his slow manner of speaking and his deep, soothing voice.
Career
Hurt began his career on stage, performing in more than fifty productions including classics like “Hamlet” and “Uncle Vanya.” He was recognized with various awards throughout his career, including both an Obie Award for Best Actor and a Tony Award nomination. Hurt’s film career took off in the 1980s, and he received multiple nominations for Academy Awards, winning an Oscar for Best Actor in “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”
Death and Legacy
William Hurt passed away on March 13, 2022, in Portland, Oregon, after a battle with prostate cancer. He left behind a legacy of powerful performances and is remembered as one of the significant actors of his generation. His influence on both stage and screen continues to inspire newer generations of actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A History of Violence | 2005-09-23 | Richie Cusack |
| Syriana | 2005-11-23 | Stan |
| A.I. Artificial Intelligence | 2001-06-29 | Prof. Hobby |
| Children of a Lesser God | 1986-09-13 | James Leeds |
| Kiss of the Spider Woman | 1985-07-26 | Luis Molina |
| The Good Shepherd | 2006-12-11 | Philip Allen |
| Body Heat | 1981-08-28 | Ned Racine |
| The Accidental Tourist | 1988-12-23 | Macon Leary |
| Broadcast News | 1987-12-16 | Tom Grunick |
| Mr. Brooks | 2007-06-01 | Marshall |
| Dark City | 1998-02-27 | Inspector Frank Bumstead |
| Into the Wild | 2007-09-21 | Walt McCandless |