Rutger Hauer played the murderous synthetic human Roy Batty in the film Blade Runner alongside Hollywood actor Harrison Ford, 77, which was directed by Ridley Scott. The actor’s agent confirmed the star had died at his home in the Netherlands on Friday. Rutger died following a short illness with his funeral being held today, reports Variety. It is unknown at this stage what the illness was.
Rutger is most notably known for his performance in Blade Runner but has also appeared in the films Sin City, Batman Begins and the HBO series True Blood.
He was also known for his roles in the gory genre of film starring as Van Helsing in Dracula 3D, and as the vampire Barlow in Salem’s lot – a 2004 mini series of the Stephen King novel.
Celebrity pals and fans have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the actor, with many giving their condolences.
The Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro, penned: “RIP the great Rutger Hauer: an intense, deep, genuine and magnetic actor that brought truth, power and beauty to his films.”
A fan tweeted: “RIP the great Rutger Hauer. His role in Blade Runner, in my opinion, is easily one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen in film: ‘All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die,’” referencing a quote from the film.
Another person said: “Rutger Hauer played one of the great antagonists in film history, and his overall body of work is impressive. RIP.”
While a third person added: “Rest in Peace, Rutger Hauer. We’re putting Blade Runner and The Hitcher on repeat in your honour.”
Rutger was born in Breukelen, near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands on 23 January 1944.
In his early years, he joined the Dutch merchant navy and later joined the army.
He had briefly studied acting and got his first major break in 1969 when he was cast in the title role of TV series Floris.
Following a long career in the industry, fans will remember the star for his memorable role in the movie Blade Runner.
For his performance in the film, the star was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Rutger was born in Breukelen, near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands on 23 January 1944.
In his early years, he joined the Dutch merchant navy and later joined the army.
He had briefly studied acting and got his first major break in 1969 when he was cast in the title role of TV series Floris.
Following a long career in the industry, fans will remember the star for his memorable role in the movie Blade Runner.
For his performance in the film, the star was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.