William Hurt dies aged 71: Oscar-winning actor loses cancer battle

William Hurt, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his appearance in Kiss of the Spider Woman, has died aged 71.

The actor’s death from prostate cancer, which was first diagnosed in 2018, was announced by his son Will.

His Oscar success in 1985 was followed by nominations for his performance in Children of a Lesser God in 1986 and Broadcast News in 1987.

A further nomination followed in 2005 for best supporting actor in David Cronenberg’s thriller, A History of Violence.

Hurt was also renowned as a stage actor, appearing in off-Broadway productions including several Shakespearean plays.

In 1985 he was nominated for a Tony Award for his appearance in the Broadway production of Hurlyburly.

Hurt’s film debut came in 1980 in the science fiction thriller, Altered States, in which he played the part of a scientist.

His first major triumph came in 1981, as a lawyer who was seduced by Kathleen Turner in Body Heat, a sultry thriller inspired by the Hollywood classic Double Indemnity.

He also appeared in The Big Chill, a comedy-drama centred on a group of 30-somethings gathering for the funeral of a college friend who had committed suicide.

In Broadcast News, he portrayed a TV anchor-man – an appearance which earned him the accolade of making the list of sexiest men in Playgirl magazine.

Hurt was a constant presence on the cinema screen, appearing in Syriana, The Good Shepherd and Robin Hood.

Younger filmgoers will remember him for his appearance in five Marvel films as Thaddeus Ross, a retired US Army lieutenant general who was responsible for embroiling Bruce Banner in the catastrophic experiment which turned him into the Hulk.

Hurt’s private life was troubled, struggling with drink for a time.

Twice married and twice divorced, Hurt was a father of four.