Rutger Hauer, Star of 'Blade Runner,' Dies at Age 75
Rutger Hauer, the Dutch actor best known for his role in "Blade Runner," died July 19 at his home in the Netherlands after a short illness. He was 75.
Hauer's agent, Steve Kenis, confirmed the news and said that the funeral was held Wednesday.
Hauer's most famous part came in Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi thriller "Blade Runner," opposite Harrison Ford. He played Roy Batty, the leader of a gang of outlaw replicants.
Born in 1944 to drama teacher parents, Hauer attended the Academy for Theater and Dance in Amsterdam before joining an experimental acting troupe. In 1969, he broke out in the Dutch medieval drama "Floris." He then made his English-language debut in the British film "The Wilby Conspiracy."
Hauer made his American debut opposite Sylvester Stallone in 1981's "Nighthawks." From there, he went on to "Blade Runner," followed by a diverse resume of movies including "Ladyhawke," "The Hitcher," "The Blood of Heroes," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
In 2005, he appeared as Cardinal Roark in “Sin City" and as a corporate villain in “Batman Begins.” He also did TV work, in "True Blood" and "Galavant."
Hauer continued acting up to this year; he will be the Ghost of Christmas Future in the upcoming miniseries "A Christmas Carol."
He is survived by his second wife of 50 years, Ineke ten Cate, and a daughter, actress Aysha Hauer, from his first marriage.