William Hurt dead at 71

Actor William Hurt, known for his starring roles in a string of critically acclaimed 1980s films including “Body Heat,” “The Big Chill,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Children of a Lesser God” and “Broadcast News,” died Sunday at the age of 71, according to multiple reports.

Hurt’s son Will posted on social media that his father died of natural causes one week before his 72nd birthday.

“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,” Will Hurt posted, according to Deadline. “He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time.”

Hurt was nominated for four Academy Awards, and won Best Actor for 1985’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” His other major films included “Altered States” in 1980, “Gorky Park” in 1983, “The Accidental Tourist” in 1988 and “The Doctor” in 1991.

He transitioned to character parts in the second half of his career, lending his talents to supporting roles in films such as “A History of Violence,” “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” “The Village,” and “The Good Shepherd.”

Hurt earned a newfound fame in the Marvel Universe in recent years, playing General Thaddeus Ross in “The Incredible Hulk,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Widow.”

He was also an active stage presence during his movie career, appearing in theatrical productions of “Henry V,” “Richard II,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hurlyburly,” among others.

Hurt was born in Washington, D.C., and studied acting at Juilliard in New York City. He was married to actress Mary Beth Hurt from 1971 to 1982, and also dated actress Marlee Matlin, his “Children of a Lesser God” co-star, for a couple years. He had four children from three different relationships.

Hurt had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, but in 2018 he touted the benefits of an experimental treatment out of UC Berkeley called Side Effect-Free Chemotherapy.

He had a home outside Paris, France.

Actor and filmmaker Albert Brooks, who appeared with Hurt in “Broadcast News,” tweeted: “R.I.P. William Hurt. So sad to hear this news. Working with him on Broadcast News was amazing. He will be greatly missed.”