Bud Cort, star of Harold and Maude, dies aged 77

The acclaimed American character actor Bud Cort, best known for his iconic role in the 1971 cult classic Harold and Maude, passed away at the age of 77 on June 5, 2026, following a period of declining health. His death occurred at his home in California, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned over five decades and influenced generations of filmmakers. Cort rose to international prominence for his portrayal of a death-obsessed young man who strikes up an unlikely romantic relationship with an elderly woman, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a counterculture icon. Following his breakout success in the early 1970s, Cort became a favorite of several legendary directors, most notably Robert Altman. He appeared in Altman's satirical masterpiece M*A*S*H and took the lead in the surrealist comedy Brewster McCloud. Despite a serious car accident in 1979 that hindered his leading-man trajectory, he transitioned into a highly respected character actor. His career saw a significant resurgence in the 2000s when he collaborated with director Wes Anderson, appearing as a prominent bond company associate in the nautical adventure The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Industry peers and film historians have lauded Cort for his unique ability to balance dark humor with deep vulnerability. Beyond his signature roles, his filmography included diverse projects such as appearances in The Lucky Star, Electric Dreams, and voice work in various animated series. He remained a beloved figure in the independent film community, frequently appearing at retrospectives for Harold and Maude, a film that grew from a box-office disappointment into one of the most celebrated black comedies in cinema history.