William Hurt
William Hurt
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William McChord Hurt was an American actor known professionally as William Hurt.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on March 20, 1950, in Washington, D.C., USA. He passed away on March 13, 2022, at the age of 71.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American actor
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Washington, D.C., Hurt was raised by his parents, Gordon Herbert Hurt Jr. and Mary Virginia Hurt (née Kincheloe), in a family that encouraged artistic pursuits. His grandfather, William Thomas Hurt, served as the Secretary of State under President James Madison from 1829 to 1831. This background instilled in Hurt an appreciation for politics and drama.
Hurt's early education took place at St. Albans School, where he was active in theater productions. He later attended Washington and Lee University, but after two years, he transferred to the Juilliard School, where he earned a degree in acting.
Major Accomplishments
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During his extensive career spanning over four decades, Hurt received numerous awards and nominations for his performances on stage and screen. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of _Damon Runyon_ in the 1985 film 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'.
Two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his roles in 'Luck' (2011) and 'Damages' (2007).
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for his work on 'Brothers & Sisters'.Notable Works or Actions
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Throughout his career, Hurt appeared in a wide range of films and television shows. Some of his notable works include:
'Body Heat' (1981)
'Children of a Lesser God' (1986)
'A History of Violence' (2005)
* 'Syriana' (2005)
Impact and Legacy
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Hurt's impact on the film industry extends beyond his outstanding performances. He was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to raise awareness about social issues.
His work as an actor continues to inspire new generations of performers, demonstrating the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Hurt's dedication to his craft and commitment to social causes have cemented his place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. His ability to bring complex characters to life on screen has left an indelible mark on the film industry, making him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, his quotes continue to inspire and educate those who seek to understand the human experience.
Quotes by William Hurt
The thrill of acting is the discovery part, so it all changes, but it has to change in a way that fits what is written. You can't just wander off and get interested in your own tangent.
I have never worked with anyone who I hold in higher esteem than Chris Menges. He's an absolute, bona fide, authentic artist.
The point is that there are challenges within techniques. When you differentiate in technique, you challenge yourself; you ask yourself the same question in a new way.
I am constantly asked, 'What's the difference between acting in the theater and acting in film?' The only answer I can give is the space - you adapt to the space. But acting is acting.
When you are a kid, you are beset by fears, and you think, 'I'll solve the fear by living forever and becoming a movie star.'
For as privileged an actor as I have been, TV as a standard is short shrift. They have to do it so quickly that they don't stop and take a look. They just shoot. So that's one of the reasons I typically stay away from it. I think art is an act of consideration, and if you're not considering, I don't think you're really doing mankind a favor.
You get older, and people start passing away. And so if you're lucky - my mom died very young, for instance, and I have friends who died very young - but the point being that, I think if you're awake, you know you're going to pass on. And that the real treasure in life is the long term - relationships that you really value.