We are saddened to report that prolific veteran actor Rutger Hauer has passed away at the age of 75-years old. According to Rolling Stone, Hauer’s agent confirmed that the legendary actor passed away on July 19th in his home in the Netherlands. His funeral was held today on July 24th. Rolling Stone was not given a cause of death, but Variety reported shortly after that he passed away due to a “short illness”. That illness was not specified.
Rutger Hauer leaves behind a legacy of monumental accolades and one heck of a resume of films. Much of his work can be considered as a staple of nerd culture. The Dutch native is perhaps best known for playing Roy Batty – a deep thinking replicant who stole the show with a memorable monologue – in Blade Runner. He also played Big Bad vampire Lothos in the original film version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He’d play another vampire, Niall Brigant, during the sixth season of True Blood several years later. In addition to his film work, Hauer had a strong presence in the television world thanks to guest spots on popular shows like Smallville and Alias.
The character actor gave unforgettable performances in films like The Hitcher, Blind Fury, Nighthawks, Ladyhawke, Batman Begins, Sin City, and Hobo with a Shotgun. His final on-screen performances are expected to include the upcoming 2019 miniseries, The Christmas Carol, and a 2019 film called Viy 2: Journey to China.
Rutger Hauer also leaves behind a positive reputation from his peers and fellow actors and, of course, fans who mourn him as we speak. Below you can read a few tweets from some celebs who worked with him and enjoyed his company.
I am incredibly heartbroken to learn it was your time to leave us Rutger. Your mastery of every role you ever played will always be cherished. We all will miss you very very much. RIP my old friend ❤️🙏🏼 #RutgerHauer #BuffyTheVampireSlayer pic.twitter.com/IaUvLfkilK
— Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) July 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/vincentdonofrio/status/1154103420841689089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1154103420841689089&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2F2019%2Ffilm%2Fnews%2Frutger-hauer-celebrities-remember-guillermo-del-toro-ice-t-1203278264%2F
RIP Rutger Hauer 🙏 I had the honor of working with him in ‘Surviving The Game’ https://t.co/o2cQgBF9l2
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) July 24, 2019
RIP the great Rutger Hauer: an intense, deep, genuine and magnetic actor that brought truth, power and beauty to his films. My personal favorites: Flesh + Blood, Eureka, The Hitcher, Blade Runner, Ladyhawke and Blind Fury. pic.twitter.com/1F2Via3mLY
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) July 24, 2019
All of our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with Rutger Hauer’s family and friends at this very difficult time.