Blade Runner Star Rutger Hauer Has Died Aged 75

Versatile Dutch actor Rutger Hauer , famously known for his role in Blade Runner has died at age of 75.

The news was confirmed by the actor’s own agent, that he died on Friday. Died in his home in the Netherlands after an short illness.

Despite being a flop, his most famous role was in Ridley Scott’s 1982 cult classic Blade Runner. Starring alongside Harrison Ford as Roy Batty, leader of a gang of outlaw replicants. The film would eventually become a cult classic within sci-fi genre. The film would be pivotal in the actor’s career, proving his versatility and ability to deliver.

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe,” – Roy Batty

The film established him in Hollywood and in 1986 he would play the villainous role of John Ryder in The Hitcher. The 1980’s various action roles in Ladyhawke (1985),Flesh & Blood (1985). He even took on Steve McQueen’s shotgun-toting bounty hunter role in a reboot of the TV Western Wanted: Dead or Alive (1986).

Wasn’t just Action and fantasy roles Hauer took on, he appeared in many horror roles. He starred as Van Helsing in Dario Argento’s Dracula 3D, and as a vampire himself in the 2004 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. There was also the small matter as Lothos the vampire king in Buffy The Vampire Slayer film. More recently he did also appear in True Blood, Channel Zero on TV and Hobo With A Shotgun, Batman Begins and Sin City for the big screen.

Before Hollywood beckoned Hauer made his name on Paul Verhoeven’s medieval Floris in the 1960’s. It was Verhoeven’s Turkish Delight in 1973 which saw a young Rutger Hauer become a big name in his homeland. The film also earned the an Oscar nod, most of international recognition. In 1981 he would play the villain in Sly Stallone’s Nighthawks.

To many especially in the 1980’s the actor will famously seen as the face of the Guinness TV adverts.

Born on 23rd January 1944, in Breukelen, the Netherlands. His parents were both acting teachers, which in hi early days Rutger was not interested in following. After running away to the Dutch Merchant Navy, he would return to Amsterdam to take his first steps to become an actor.

Rutger Hauer‘s funeral took place today (24th July). Mr Hauer was married to Ineke ten Cate, and a daughter, actress Aysha Hauer, from his first marriage.

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