Cort passed away on February 11, 2026, in Connecticut following a long illness. His death was confirmed by longtime friend and producer Dorian Hannaway.
The news of Cort's death spread quickly across media outlets, marking the end of a career that spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on independent cinema.
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Born Walter Edward Cox on March 29, 1948, in Rye, New York, Cort grew up in a creative environment. His father was a musician and clothing store owner, while his mother worked as a reporter for newspapers and Life magazine before becoming an executive assistant at MGM. Cort attended school in New Rochelle and developed an early passion for the arts, majoring in art during high school. He later studied scenic design at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts after the acting program was full.
As a teenager, Cort performed in off-Broadway revues and cabaret acts, including one with Jeannie Berlin and later Judy Engles. His unique stage presence caught the eye of director Robert Altman during a performance in "Free Fall," leading to his film debut.
Career Breakthrough with Robert Altman
Cort's entry into Hollywood came in 1970 with a small role as Pvt. Boone in Altman's satirical war film "MAS*H." That same year, he starred as the titular character in Altman's "Brewster McCloud," playing a reclusive young man living in the Houston Astrodome who dreams of flying like a bird. The role showcased Cort's eccentric charm and earned him a Golden Laurel Award nomination.
Co-star Sally Kellerman recalled spotting Cort during lunch on set: "Although I didn’t know who he was, I said ‘Oh, boy. We’re going to be best friends.’"
These early collaborations with Altman established Cort as a rising star in the New Hollywood era, known for his owlish looks, rail-thin frame, and deadpan delivery.
Iconic Role in 'Harold and Maude'
Cort's most enduring legacy is his performance in Hal Ashby's 1971 black comedy "Harold and Maude." He played Harold Chasen, a 20-year-old from a wealthy family obsessed with death and staging fake suicides, who forms an unlikely romance with the free-spirited 79-year-old Maude, portrayed by Ruth Gordon. The film, written by Colin Higgins, featured a soundtrack of Cat Stevens songs and explored themes of life, death, and nonconformity.
Despite initial box office failure, "Harold and Maude" gained cult status through midnight screenings and repertory showings. It ranks No. 69 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Best Romantic Comedies. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe praised it in a 2011 AFI tribute: “A young man obsessed with death falls in love with an old woman obsessed with life. She dies and teaches the kid how to live. And it’s done with music that scratches at your soul."
Cort's chemistry with Gordon during auditions sealed his casting. He earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for the role.
Later Work in Film and Television
Following his early successes, Cort appeared in films like "The Strawberry Statement" (1970), "Gas-s-s-s" (1970), and "The Traveling Executioner" (1971). He continued with supporting roles in "Electric Dreams" (1984), Michael Mann's "Heat" (1995) as a restaurant manager, Kevin Smith's "Dogma" (1999), "Coyote Ugly" (2000), "Pollock" (2000), and Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004).
On television, Cort guest-starred in "Arrested Development" and "Ugly Betty." He voiced the Toyman in animated series like "Superman: The Animated Series," "Static Shock," and "Justice League Unlimited."
In 1991, Cort wrote, directed, and starred in "Ted and Venus," a romantic comedy. His career slowed in the 1980s but rebounded with character parts that highlighted his quirky persona.
Personal Challenges and Setbacks
Cort's career was disrupted in 1979 by a near-fatal car accident on the Hollywood Freeway. He collided with an abandoned vehicle, suffering a fractured skull, broken arm and leg, severe facial lacerations, and lost teeth. Multiple plastic surgeries followed, and he lost a $10 million lawsuit against the other driver, depleting his savings. The incident led to a quieter decade, though Cort focused on theater and cabaret.
He formed lasting friendships, including with singer Roslyn Kind, who met him at 14: “We became close friends who shared our interest in entertainment. When I got married, Bud and our songwriter friend, Bruce Roberts, wrote a special song that was performed at the ceremony. His unique spirit will always be with me.”
Cort was also close to Groucho Marx in his later years, living with him as a companion until Marx's death in 1977.
Why Bud Cort's Legacy Matters
Cort's work mattered because it embodied the unconventional spirit of 1970s cinema. Films like "Harold and Maude" challenged norms on age, love, and mortality, inspiring generations. His roles often portrayed outsiders, resonating with audiences seeking authenticity in Hollywood.
As an actor, Cort avoided typecasting by prioritizing artistic growth over commercial success. His influence extends to modern filmmakers who celebrate quirky narratives.
What Happens Next
A memorial service for Cort is planned in Los Angeles at a future date. Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues on social media, with many sharing clips from "Harold and Maude." His nephew, musician Peter Cox of Anamanaguchi, shared a personal tribute: "My uncle Bud passed away this morning. ... His charm, kindness and view of the world were a light in any room he entered."
Cort is survived by his brother Joseph Cox and family, sisters Kerry Cox, Tracy Cox Berkman, and Shelly Cox Dufour, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
No specific cause of death beyond the long illness was disclosed, though some reports suggested cancer as an underlying factor. Funeral arrangements remain private.
Cort's films continue to stream on platforms like Paramount+, ensuring his legacy endures for new audiences searching for "Harold and Maude actor" or "Bud Cort movies."
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