Veteran actor and “Blade Runner” star Rutger Hauer died last week after battling an unknown illness. He was 75.
The actor’s rep Steve Kunis confirmed the death to ABC News.
The striking Netherlands actor, tall with chiseled features and model looks, had several roles in his 50-year career. He was best known, however, for his character Roy Battyin, a synthetic human, in Ridley Scott’s cult classic, “Blade Runner.”
The dystopian science fiction film also starred Sean Young and Harrison Ford and was revived a few years back with Ryan Gosling joining Ford in the sequel.
But along with that 1982 classic, Hauer had a slew of other famous appearances, including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Batman Begins” and “Sin City.”
Hauer had been working up until this year with a few projects in post-production like “Emperor,” starring Adrien Brody and another film titled “Break.”
When he was not working in film, Hauer was an avid philanthropist, staring the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association, which provides “help, attention and care to children and pregnant women with HIV/AIDS, as well as educating communities about this disease,” according to the group’s website.
After rhe news of his death, fans and friends shared their condolences on social media for the acclaimed star.
“Sad to hear Rutger Hauer has passed away. He was always a gentleman, kind and compassionate. Sending our condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fans,” singer Gene Simmons wrote.
Author Marshall Julius added, “Gutted to learn of Rutger Hauer’s passing. Gone at 75, yet immortal, thanks to all the mad, wonderful movies he left us with. ‘Good guy or bad guy, hero or anti hero; It doesn’t matter to me what role I play, as long as the character has something magical.'”
Sad to hear Rutger Hauer has passed away. He was always a gentleman, kind and compassionate. Sending our condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/wFtZJs9Ui5
Gutted to learn of Rutger Hauer’s passing. Gone at 75, yet immortal, thanks to all the mad, wonderful movies he left us with.
“Good guy or bad guy, hero or anti hero; It doesn’t matter to me what role I play, as long as the character has something magical.” pic.twitter.com/Qlcxu4Td9s
Just a reminder that Rutger Hauer added the “tears in the rain” line to his monologue in Blade Runner, which apparently brought the crew to tears 😭 pic.twitter.com/B92zv7VtQO
“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.” … Rutger Hauer was awesome. pic.twitter.com/S85CNX2XSF
Hauer is survived by his wife, Ineke ten Cate, and daughter, Aysha Hauer.
