Hollywood is mourning the loss of beloved actor Bud Cort, best known for the 1970 film “Harold and Maude,” who has passed away. The actor was 77 when he passed in Connecticut. Now, fans are paying tribute to his legacy on social media.
According to Variety, Cort’s death came after a long battle with an unspecified illness. His longtime friend, Dorian Hannaway, confirmed the sad news of his passing.
GettyActress Roslyn Kind released a statement on his passing. She said, “I was only fourteen when I met Bud at the backstage door at my sister’s play. He was majoring in art at the time in high school. We became close friends who shared our interest in entertainment. When I got married, Bud and our songwriter friend, Bruce Roberts, wrote a special song that was performed at the ceremony. His unique spirit will always be with me.”
The ‘Harold & Maude’ Star Leaves Behind a Vibrant Legacy
GettyCort was born Walter Edward Cox, and he is from Rye, New York. According to Varety, the actor changed his name to avoid being confused with the character Wally Cox. Per IMDb, he began his career in the late 1960s with multiple uncredited roles. They include “Up the Down Staircase,” “The Doctors,” and “Sweet Charity.”
His career officially started when he appeared in an episode of “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” in 1969, playing Jeff. Following this, he made multiple TV show appearances before landing his role in the 1970 film “M*A*S*H.”
Some of his other notable roles include 2004’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” and “Coyote Ugly.” His final on-screen role was in the 2016 short film “Affections.”
Tributes Are Pouring in For Bud Cort
Cort’s resume includes over 80 roles spanning multiple decades in Hollywood. Because of that, many fans are flocking to social media to pay tribute to his legacy. One person said on X, “RIP Bud Cort. This film brought me so much joy. Maybe him and Ruth Gordon will say hi to each other in the ether :)”
The X account, Making Blake’s 7, wrote, “Very sad to hear that Bud Cort has passed away. Bless him. If you have never seen ‘Harold and Maude’, do yourself a favour and watch it at your earliest convenience. #BudCortRIP.”
Another X user stated, “Loved Bud Cort in Harold & Maude – his awkward physicality and emotional softening made him such a great foil for Ruth Gordon. And his scene opposite Vince Vaughn in Made is one for the ages.”
A different social media user said, “RIP Bud Cort … do yourself a favor … go watch Harold and Maude. One of the most delightful, heart breaking, life affirming movies you’ll ever see. ‘If you want to sing out, sing out. And if you want to be free, be free.'”
Finally, someone else recalled, “Very sad hearing of Bud Cort’s passing. I remember distinctly @madsplicer1 sitting my brother and I down to watch Harold & Maude as teenagers. A brilliant actor and performer.”
