The Oscar-winning actor William Hurt has died at the age of 71, it's been reported. The star's son, Will, took to social media to share the news and ask for privacy.
The post read: "It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the passing of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar-winning actor, on March 13, 2022, one week before his 72nd birthday.
"He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time.”
Deadline reports that the post was shared earlier on Sunday (March 13). Hurt started his career in 1977 after studying drama at the respected Juilliard School, and went on to become an Oscar-winning actor.
He bagged three nominations in a row for Academy Awards in the 1980s - for Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1985, Children of a Lesser God in 1986 and Broadcast News in 1987. He won once, for Kiss of the Spider Woman.
He was also nominated for a sorting role in David Cronenberg's A History of Violence in 2005.
The star was also known to younger film fans as Thaddeus Ross in the Marvel universe, appearing in The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow.
Born on March 20, 1950 in Washington, DC, Hurt was married twice. He had four children.
Members of the industry paid tribute to Hurt following the news, and described his death as a “major loss”.
Fellow Marvel star Mark Ruffalo wrote: “Wow, another Major loss to the acting community.
“Great actor. Great mind. RIP.”
US actor Albert Brookes, who appeared alongside him in Broadcast News, wrote: “R.I.P. William Hurt. So sad to hear this news.
“Working with him on Broadcast News was amazing. He will be greatly missed.”
