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Blade Runner Actor Rutger Hauer Has Died

Blade Runner Actor Rutger Hauer Has Died

The actor was 75

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Hollywood star Rutger Hauer has died aged 75.

The actor was best known for playing Roy Batty in the 1982 movie Blade Runner and also Sin City, Batman Begins and TV show True Blood.

His agent Steve Kenis confirmed Hauer died on Friday following a short illness. His funeral was held on Wednesday.

Rutger Hauer has died aged 75.
PA

Tributes have begun pouring in for the star, with Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro tweeting to say: "RIP the great Rutger Hauer: an intense, deep, genuine and magnetic actor that brought truth, power and beauty to his films."

KISS musician Gene Simmons wrote: "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."

Hauer was born in Breukelen in the Netherlands and did stints in both the merchant navy and army before he became an actor.

He got his big break in 1969, when he became the lead in TV series Floris.

Away from acting, Hauer launched The Rutger Hauer Starfish Foundation, which aimed to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, especially within children and pregnant women.

Issuing a statement following his death, the foundation said: "The Rutger Hauer Starfish Association announces with infinite sadness that after a very short illness, on Friday, July 19, 2019, Rutger passed away peacefully at his Dutch home.

"He leaves his beloved wife Ineke, after they have been together for fifty years.

"We at Starfish will always cherish the many unforgettable memories we have of Rutger and his dedication to the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association.

"One of Rutger's last wishes was that Starfish should continue its charity activity and its fight against the AIDS disease, and with Ineke's precious help, involvement and direction we will follow Rutger's wish and will do our best to carry on Rutger's inestimable legacy."

Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros

Topics: US Entertainment