The legendary actor Rutger Hauer, best known for portraying replicant “Roy Batty” in 1982’s Blade Runner, has passed away at the age of 75. The man died in his Netherlands based home on July 19 after a short battle with an illness. Hauer’s agent, Steve Kenis, confirmed the news to various outlets today and said that Hauer’s funeral will be held shortly after.
While Blade Runner was his most recognized work, Hauer would go on to star in various other roles across both television and film. From portraying Cardinal Roark in Sin City to the corporate villain “Earle” in Batman Begins, Hauer has made a name for himself as a menacing villain with a devilish stare. His characters typically hold an innocence to their actions, which most successfully came out in his star-making turn in Ridley Scott’s landmark film.
I may not have personally seen most of his work, but I’ll never forget his near-perfect monologue in Blade Runner. To this day, I still think about his words at the end of the film, most of which were improvised by the star. He was a commanding force in the movie and arguably the true hero of the story. He deserves to be remembered for more than just that moment.
Goodbye, Mr. Hauer. Your presence will not be forgotten like tears in rain.
Rutger Hauer, ‘Blade Runner‘ Co-Star, Dies at 75 [Variety]
