Bud Cort, the actor who starred as the death-obsessed Harold in the dark comedy Harold and Maude, died Feb. 11, 2026, following a long illness. He was 77.
Born Walter Edward Cox, the actor was discovered by director Robert Altman while performing in a comedy revue. Altman cast him in the 1970 film MAS*H and later gave him the title role in Brewster McCloud. These early performances led to his casting in Hal Ashby's Harold and Maude in 1971. His portrayal of a young man who stages elaborate fake suicides earned nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. Though initially a commercial failure, the film eventually became an American classic.
His career trajectory changed in 1979 following a severe car accident on the Hollywood Freeway. Cort sustained a fractured skull, a concussion, and facial lacerations that required extensive plastic surgery. Despite these injuries, he returned to the screen for supporting roles in films including Heat, Dogma, and Pollock.
In later years, he worked with director Wes Anderson as a bond company associate in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He also contributed his voice to the DC Animated Universe, portraying the villain Toyman across several television series.