William Hurt who played General Thaddeus Ross in five movies set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe died Sunday March 13 according to his family. His cause of death was reported as natural causes however he had been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer which had spread to the bone.
William Hurt first brought to life the character of General Ross in the MCU’s second film, The Incredible Hulk which was his largest role in the MCU. In that movie he played opposite Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Afterwards he made some shorter appearances and cameos in other MCU movies Captain America Civil War, Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Endgame and his final appearance as General Ross came in Black Widow.
William Hurt’s first major role came in the 1980’s science fiction Altered States in which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. He was a versatile character actor and once said he was “a character actor trapped in a leading man’s body”. He was very active in the eighties and appeared in many well known films such as Eyewitness, Body Heat, The Big Chill, Gorky Park, Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Children Of A Lesser God and Broadcast News. He was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award 3 years straight, winning the Oscar for Kiss Of The Spider Woman (1985). The other two films being Children Of A Lesser God (1986) and Broadcast News (1987). He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for 2005’s A History Of Violence.
Mark Ruffalo, who appeared in Avengers Endgame with Hurt said: “Wow, another major loss to the acting community. Great actor. Great mind. RIP”.
Hurt is survived by two ex-wives and four children. He died just one week short of his 72nd birthday.
William Hurt was an incredible actor and we at Comic-Watch will miss him deeply.