Bud Cort, Who Starred in 1971’s ‘Harold and Maude,’ Dies at 77

The acclaimed American actor Bud Cort, best known for his iconic portrayal of the death-obsessed teenager in the cult classic film 'Harold and Maude,' passed away at the age of 77 on June 5, 2023, following a period of declining health. Cort died at his home in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy as a defining face of the 1970s anti-establishment cinema movement. His performance in the 1971 dark comedy, directed by Hal Ashby, earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a cultural symbol for a generation of youth who felt alienated from mainstream societal norms. While 'Harold and Maude' eventually became a beloved cinematic staple, the film's initial reception was polarized, and its singular success proved to be a double-edged sword for Cort’s career. The role of Harold Chasen—a wealthy, existentialist young man who stages elaborate fake suicides and falls in love with an octogenarian—was so definitive that it often overshadowed his later work. Cort frequently remarked in interviews that the industry’s tendency to typecast him prevented him from exploring the full breadth of his dramatic range, despite his undeniable talent and early training under legendary mentors like Groucho Marx. Beyond his breakthrough role, Cort’s filmography included notable performances in Robert Altman’s 'M*A*S*H' and 'Brewster McCloud,' as well as appearances in Wes Anderson’s 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.' His career spanned over five decades, transitioning from the experimental leading man of the New Hollywood era to a respected character actor in both film and television. Friends and colleagues remember him as a sensitive, highly intelligent performer who maintained a fiercely independent spirit throughout his life in Hollywood.