‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘Harold and Maude’ Star Dead at 77

Bud Cort, the actor best known for his iconic role in the 1971 cult classic Harold and Maude, has died at the age of 77. His longtime friend Dorian Hannaway confirmed the news to Variety, saying Cort passed away at his home in Connecticut on Wednesday after a long illness.

Born Walter Edward Cox in Rye, New York, Cort first made his mark in Hollywood with Robert Altman’s 1970 comedy M*A*S*H, playing Private Lorenzo Boone. Altman saw something unique in him and cast him as the lead in Brewster McCloud, a quirky story about a young recluse living in a fallout shelter while building wings in an attempt to fly. Though the film received mixed reviews at the time, it has since gained recognition as a cult favorite.

Cort’s most celebrated performance came in Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude, where he played the morose and suicide-obsessed Harold, who falls for 79-year-old Maude, played by Ruth Gordon. The film remains a touchstone of dark comedy and countercultural cinema, with Cort’s sensitive and unconventional portrayal at its heart.

Beyond his early career, Cort appeared in a range of films including Heat, Dogma, Coyote Ugly, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and Pollock. He also lent his distinctive voice to projects such as the computer in Electric Dreams, as well as animated shows like Superman: The Animated Series, Static Shock, and Justice League Unlimited. In 1991, he co-wrote, starred in, and directed Ted and Venus.

Cort’s life was not without hardship. In 1971, he nearly died in a car accident in Hollywood when he collided with an abandoned vehicle. The crash required multiple surgeries and caused a significant disruption to his acting career.

He is survived by several siblings and extended family members, including nieces and nephews, Variety reported.

Bud Cort’s work continues to inspire new generations of actors and fans. His ability to blend humor, vulnerability, and eccentricity made him a unique presence on screen. Harold and Maude remains a testament to his talent and enduring legacy.