Norwalk, Conn. — Celebrated actor Bud Cort, renowned for his leading role in the classic film “Harold and Maude,” died on Wednesday at the age of 77. Cort passed away from complications related to pneumonia after a long illness in an assisted living home in Norwalk, marking the end of a diverse career that spanned over five decades.
Born Walter Edward Cox on March 29, 1948, in New Rochelle, N.Y., Cort grew up in the nearby city of Rye, where his fascination with acting took root. He nurtured his passion through frequent visits to Broadway shows, often waiting at stage doors to catch a glimpse of stars like Barbra Streisand. His formal acting education included a brief stint at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and lessons from famed acting coach Stella Adler.
Cort’s cinematic journey began auspiciously in the 1970s when director Robert Altman cast him in the film “MAS*H” and subsequently as the lead in “Brewster McCloud.” Yet, it was his performance as Harold in Hal Ashby’s “Harold and Maude” in 1971 that cemented his place in film history. In this role, Cort portrayed a young man obsessed with death who develops a romantic and life-affirming relationship with Maude, a vivacious 79-year-old Holocaust survivor, played by Ruth Gordon.
Despite its initial reception as a flop due to minimal promotion by Paramount Pictures, “Harold and Maude” later emerged as a cult classic, beloved for its dark humor and poignant storytelling. The film ultimately achieved recognition as one of the top romantic comedies of all time, according to the American Film Institute.
The role brought Cort critical acclaim, earning him nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. However, it also typecast him, limiting his opportunities to a range of eccentric characters. Notably, he turned down the role of Billy Bibbit in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” a decision influenced by his reluctance to portray mental illness.
Cort’s career faced a significant setback in 1979 when he was severely injured in a car accident on the Hollywood Freeway, resulting in a lengthy recovery that sidelined him as the film industry began shifting towards blockbuster franchises in the 1980s. Nevertheless, Cort continued to act well into his career, appearing in a variety of movie and TV roles, including films such as “Electric Dreams” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” and TV shows like “Criminal Minds” and “Arrested Development.”
In addition to acting, Cort lent his voice to several characters in the DC Animated Universe, most notably the villain Toyman. His voice acting extended to other animated projects, including his last credited role as The King in “The Little Prince” in 2015.
Cort’s contributions to theater were also significant; he co-founded the LA Classic Theatre Works and ventured into writing, directing, and starring in his own play, “Ted and Venus.” His dedication to the performing arts remained evident throughout his life, influencing generations of actors and filmmakers.
Tributes to Cort have poured in from colleagues and admirers. Filmmaker Edgar Wright praised him as a “captivating presence” whose role in “Harold and Maude” was a “flawless blend of dark humor and timeless romance.” Songwriter Yusuf Islam, who composed the film’s soundtrack, remembered him fondly, highlighting his spiritual and artistic impact.
Bud Cort is survived by his brother Joseph Cox, sister-in-law Vickie, and several nieces. Plans for a memorial service to celebrate his life and career will be announced in the coming weeks. Cort’s legacy, marked by his unique charm and depth in character portrayal, leaves an indelible mark on the worlds of both film and theater.