William Hurt Died – He Played General Thaddeus Ross In The Marvel Universe

On March 13, actor William Hurt died at the age of 71. The actor played multiple successful roles, such as General Ross in the Incredible Hulk, Captain America Civil War, and other Marvel Universe films. Additionally, he had great success in the ’80s, participating in several films such as Children of a Lesser God, Fire in the Body, Reunion or The Accidental Tourist. William Hurt won an Oscar as best actor for his performance in Kiss the Spider Woman, in 1986.

His career led him to win the Oscar. He received outstanding acting awards, such as the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor in 1985 or the BAFTA Award in 1986. The world recognized his incredible talent passion for performing throughout his acting career. Many have argued that the loss is a blow to film, theatre, and art. William Hurt died on March 13, 2022, of terminal prostate cancer. Although he had shown improvement with treatments, he could not endure the disease and passed away just one week shy of his birthday.

Hurt’s Family Mourns the Loss

Image via Marvel Studios

After losing this family member and a great actor, the family has declared their deep sorrow. The star’s son announced the death, who stated that the whole family is in grief after his father passed away just one week shy of his 72nd birthday. One of the actor’s sons announced his passing with the following words: “It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the death of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar winner, on March 13, 2022, one week shy of his 72nd birthday”.

His family has mentioned how hard this has been, despite being diagnosed as terminal. The improvement he had shown with new treatments being administered to him had given hope to his family. They hoped he would overcome this illness and spend much more time with them.

William Hurt’s Death Affects the Acting Community

Image via Marvel Studios

The family was not the only one who spoke out about the death of the actor. Many actors affected by the news gave their condolences to the families. Mark Ruffalo said on his Twitter account that it is a significant loss for the artistic world, that actors like William Hurt are very few.

Wow, another Major loss to the acting community. Great actor. Great mind. RIP https://t.co/aKu8NWLgaz

— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) March 13, 2022

Others declared their desire to share filming with the actor through the same platform. Many actors admire him for his charisma, the positivity that characterized him, as well as his discipline when acting. They also highlight his versatility in portraying different characters.

Rest In Peace to an amazing talent William Hurt, beloved Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in our Marvel Cinematic Universe. pic.twitter.com/ituAUTRbsq

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 13, 2022

Despite being recognized mainly for the films made in the 80s, this renowned actor also impacted the lives of many young actors. They have expressed their grief at the loss of the man they consider a teacher and an excellent friend on whom they could always rely.

An Acting Legend Who Helped ‘Create’ the MCU

While he has an impressive legacy throughout his career, he also ended on a high note. As General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, he was a key antagonist in Marvel Studios films as recently as Black Widow. In fact, his post-credits scene is what, technically, launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After being thoroughly embarrassed at the end of Incredible Hulk, Ross is downing drink after drink. Then, who walks in but Iron Man himself! Robert Downey, Jr.’s appearance in this film was the first true sign that these Marvel Studios movies would all be connected.

The actor played roles that deserved significant awards, which had its most outstanding achievement when he won an Oscar award for best actor. His successes in the 80s are still remembered and watched by current generations. Hurt’s career was full of professional achievements; his talent and dedication led him to position himself as one of the best actors of his generation. But if you want to celebrate his diabolical Thunderbolt Ross, watch him in Hulk (2008), Civil War (2016), Avengers Infinity War (2018), Avengers Endgame (2019) and Black Widow (2021).

Featured image via Universal Studios