William Hurt, Oscar-winning actor dies at 71

William Hurt, the Oscar-winner star of "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Broadcast News" and "Children of a Lesser God," has passed away. He was 71.  

The actor’s son announced the news on social media, saying “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”. 

As per reports, William Hurt died peacefully, among family, of natural causes at his home in Portland, Oregon. 

In 2018, it emerged that Hurt had terminal prostate cancer that had spread to the bone. 

The Washington-born actor’s 45-year career began with a lead role as an unravelling scientist in the film Altered States, which he secured after studying at Juilliard. 

Soon afterwards, parts in Body Heat and Gorky Park followed. 

The four-time Oscar-nominated actor was one of the most acclaimed stars and bankable leading men of the 1980s.

The legend earned Oscar nominations in three consecutive years — 1986, 1987, 1988— for his role as a prisoner in a Brazilian jail in "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Children of a Lesser God"  and as a TV anchor in "Broadcast News".   

The Hollywood star received his fourth Oscar nomination for his small but potent role in David Cronenberg's 2005 thriller A History of Violence.

William Hurt’ laconic charisma and self-assured subtlety as an actor made him one of the 1980s foremost leading men in movies as he had an intelligent screen presence, gradually morphed into a character actor. 

Alongside his roles in cinema, the star has also appeared in numerous TV shows and received award nominations for his role in Damages in 2009 and was also in the casts of Goliath and Condor. 

William’s last performance was in the film The King’s Daughter, and he had numerous projects that were due to go into production soon.

Hurt is survived by four children.