‘Harold And Maude’ Icon Bud Cort Dies At 77 After Prolonged Illness, Leaves Behind Timeless Cinematic Legacy

Veteran American actor Bud Cort, best known for his unforgettable performance in the cult classic Harold and Maude, has passed away at the age of 77. Cort’s death was confirmed by his longtime friend and collaborator Dorian Hannaway, who told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died on February 11, 2026, in Connecticut after battling a prolonged illness that eventually led to complications.

Born Walter Edward Cox on March 29, 1948, in New Rochelle, New York, Cort adopted his stage name early in his career to avoid confusion with another performer. He fell in love with acting at a young age, studying with renowned coaches before being discovered by director Robert Altman, who cast him in MASH* and Brewster McCloud in 1970.

However, it was his role as the death-obsessed Harold Chasen in Hal Ashby’s 1971 film Harold and Maude that made him a cultural icon. Though the movie was initially overlooked at the box office, it later became a beloved piece of cinema history and earned Cort Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. “As I was reading the script, I immediately knew it was going to be a classic film for the ages,” Cort said about the film in a 2012 interview, adding that its success grew from its audience’s affection.

Cort later spoke candidly about the impact of the role on his career, saying being typecast after Harold and Maude prevented him from working regularly for several years. Despite that, he found opportunities in theatre and character roles across film and television.

Throughout his 50-year career, Cort appeared in more than 80 films and shows, including Heat, Dogma, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and contributed voice work to popular animated series. His talent, quirkiness, and dedication to his craft earned him admiration from colleagues and fans alike.

Cort is survived by his siblings and extended family, with a memorial service planned in Los Angeles at a later date.

Image Source- Google