William Hurt, Emmy-Winning Stage and Screen Star, Dies at 71

Three-Time Oscar Nominee Known for 'Body Heat,' 'The Doctor'

Acclaimed Actor Leaves Behind Legacy of Iconic Roles

William McChord Hurt, the acclaimed American actor known for his performances in both stage and screen, has died at the age of 71. Hurt passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 13, surrounded by family and friends.

Hurt was born in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 1950. He attended Tufts University and the Juilliard School before launching his acting career in the mid-1970s.

Hurt's breakout role came in the 1981 film "Body Heat," where he played a hapless lawyer entangled in a dangerous love triangle. He went on to star in a string of successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "The Big Chill," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and "The Doctor."

Hurt earned three Academy Award nominations for his performances in "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Children of a Lesser God," and "Broadcast News." He also won an Emmy Award for his role in the television series "Damages."