William Hurt Biography

(Actor)

Birthday: March 20, 1950 (Pisces)

Born In: Washington, D.C., United States

William Hurt was an American actor who portrayed the character of Thaddeus Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. In his over four-decade-long acting career, he did extensive work in films, television and theatre. Originally from Washington, D.C., William William Hurt had harboured acting aspirations since he was quite young. He attended the Juilliard School and started his career on stage in the 1970s. He made his screen debut in an episode of the CBS series ‘Kojak’. His first cinematic appearance came in 1980 as a troubled scientist in Ken Russell's science-fiction movie ‘Altered States’, for which he garnered his first Golden Globe nomination. A few years later, he received widespread recognition for his outing as Luis Molina in the Brazilian-American drama film ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ and won an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award. As he grew older, Hurt made a gradual transition to character acting. was nominated for three more Academy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for the play ‘Hurlyburly’. 

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: William McChord Hurt

Died At Age: 71

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Heidi Henderson (1989-1992), Mary Beth Hurt (1971-1982)

father: Alfred McChord Hurt

mother: Claire Isabel (née McGill)

children: Alexander Devon Hurt, Jeanne Bonnaire-Hurt, Samuel Hurt, William Hurt

Partner: Marlee Matlin (1985–1986), Sandra Jennings (1981–1984), Sandrine Bonnaire (1992–1997)

Born Country: United States

Actors American Men

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

Died on: March 13, 2022

place of death: Portland, Oregon, United States

Cause of Death: Prostate Cancer.

Notable Alumni: Tufts University

More Facts

education: Tufts University

  • 1

    What movies is William Hurt known for?

    William Hurt is known for his roles in movies such as "Body Heat," "Broadcast News," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "A History of Violence," and "The Big Chill."
  • 2

    Has William Hurt ever won an Oscar?

    Yes, William Hurt won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the movie "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in 1986.
  • 3

    Is William Hurt still acting?

    Yes, William Hurt is still active in the entertainment industry and continues to take on acting roles in movies and television shows.
  • 4

    Did William Hurt appear in any Marvel movies?

    Yes, William Hurt portrayed the character Thaddeus Ross in several Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, including "The Incredible Hulk," "Captain America: Civil War," and "Avengers: Infinity War."
  • 5

    Does William Hurt have any upcoming projects?

    As of the latest information available, William Hurt is set to appear in the upcoming movie "The King's Daughter," which is currently in post-production.
Childhood & Early Life

William Hurt was born on March 20, 1950, in Washington, D.C., U.S.A, to Claire Isabel and Alfred McChord Hurt. His mother was employed at Time Inc., whereas his father served in the State Department. Because of his father’s job, he spent parts of his childhood in Lahore, Mogadishu and Khartoum.

He studied at Middlesex School, where he served as the vice president of the dramatic clubs and performed in several plays.

After obtaining his high school diploma in 1968, he briefly studied theology at Tufts University. However, he ultimately dropped out and began his training at the Juilliard, where he was part of the Drama Division Group 5 (1972–76).

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Stage Career
William Hurt started his career on stage. He performed with Circle Repertory Company from 1977 to 1989. He received an Obie Award for his debut outing in Corinne Jacker's ‘My Life’.
In 1978, he received a Theatre World Award for ‘Fifth of July’, ‘Ulysses in Traction’, and ‘Lulu’. In 1979, Hurt portrayed the titular character in Marshall W. Mason’s production of ‘Hamlet’.
Hurt was part of the original cast of David Rabe’s dark-comedy play ‘Hurlyburly’, which opened at Goodman Theatre in Chicago in early 1984. It had its Broadway debut in August at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where it was performed 343 times. For his performance, Hurt earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
Television Career

In 1980, William Hurt had his screen debut in an episode of the CBS action crime-drama series ‘Kojak’. He portrayed Duke Leto I Atreides in the 2000 three-part science fiction TV miniseries ‘Frank Herbert's Dune’.

In 2009, Hurt worked with fellow industry veteran Glenn Close in the second season of the FX legal drama series ‘Damages’. His character, scientist Daniel Purcell, garnered him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor – Drama Series as well as a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film.

For his outing as Varian Fry in the 2011 telefilm ‘Varian’s War’, he was nominated for a Satellite Award for best actor.

Hurt won a Satellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for playing Henry Paulson, the real-life banker and the 74th Secretary of the Treasury, in the 2011 HBO telefilm ‘Too Big to Fall’. He was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for the telefilm.

In 2016, Hurt portrayed Hrothgar in the ITV adaptation of ‘Beowulf’ and Donald Cooperman in the first season of Amazon Prime series ‘Goliath’. 

From 2018 to 2020, William Hurt starred in the Audience Network series ‘Condor’.

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In 2021, he was seen in an episode of the television series ‘Mythic Quest’.

Film Career

After making his film debut in ‘Altered States’, William Hurt starred in films like ‘Eyewitness’ and ‘Gorky Park’ before he was cast as Luis Molina, a transgender woman imprisoned for having a sexual relationship with an underage boy, in Héctor Babenco’s 1985 film ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’.

His performance in the film ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

He was nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor twice more for playing James Leeds in the romance drama ‘Children of a Lesser God’ (1986) and Tom Grunick in the romantic comedy-drama ‘Broadcast News’ (1987). Hurt also received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for playing Richie Cusack in ‘A History of Violence’.

William Hurt played comic-book character Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films. In 2006, he co-produced the family animation film ‘The Legend of Sasquatch’.

Towards the end of his career, he was seen in films like ‘The Last Full Measure’ (2018)  and ‘The King’s Daughter' (2022)

Family & Personal Life

William Hurt was twice married. From December 2, 1971, to December 9, 1982, he was married to actress Mary Beth Hurt. On March 5, 1989, he exchanged wedding vows with Heidi Henderson. They had two sons together, Samuel (born 1989) and William (born 1991). Their divorce was finalised on August 1, 1993.

He was in a relationship with a woman named Sandra Jennings between 1981 and 1984. Their son, Alexander, was born in 1983. He dated actress, author, and activist, Marlee Matlin, from 1985 to 1986.

William Hurt also had a daughter named Jeanne (born 1994) with the French actress, film director, and screenwriter Sandrine Bonnaire, whom he dated between 1992 and 1997.

In 2018, William Hurt was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to bone.

He died of natural causes at his home in Portland, Oregon, on March 13, 2022.

Facts About William Hurt
William Hurt is known for his deep, distinctive voice, which has lent itself well to a variety of roles in film and television.
In addition to his successful acting career, Hurt is also a skilled musician and has played guitar in a band called The Accelerators.
Despite his fame and success, Hurt is known for his humility and down-to-earth personality, often preferring a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Hurt is a passionate advocate for environmental causes and has been involved in various initiatives to promote sustainability and conservation efforts.
One of Hurt's lesser-known talents is his proficiency in painting and drawing, which he enjoys as a creative outlet outside of his acting career.

Awards

Academy Awards(Oscars)
1986 Best Actor in a Leading Role Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
BAFTA Awards
1986 Best Actor Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)

See the events in life of William Hurt in Chronological Order

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Article Title
- William Hurt Biography
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- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/william-hurt-30436.php

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