Rutger Hauer

Rutger Hauer (2018)

Dutch actor (1944–2019)

Rutger Oelsen Hauer (23 January 1944 – 19 July 2019) was a Dutch actor. He is best known for his role as Roy Batty in the 1982 science fiction film Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott. Hauer's career spanned five decades, during which he appeared in both Dutch and Hollywood films.

Early life

Hauer was born in Breukelen, a town in the Netherlands. His parents were both actors who operated an acting school. Hauer ran away from home at the age of 15 to join the Dutch merchant navy, but returned to the Netherlands in 1962. He then attended the Academy for Theatre and Dance in Amsterdam.

Career

Hauer began his career in Dutch television, gaining fame with the 1969 television series Floris, directed by Paul Verhoeven. He continued to work with Verhoeven in films such as Turkish Delight (1973) and Soldier of Orange (1977).

Hauer's international breakthrough came with his role in Blade Runner (1982), where he played the replicant Roy Batty. His performance, particularly his improvised "Tears in rain" monologue, has been widely praised and remains iconic in science fiction cinema.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hauer appeared in a variety of films, including Ladyhawke (1985), The Hitcher (1986), and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992). He also starred in the 1988 film The Legend of the Holy Drinker, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Later career

In the 2000s and 2010s, Hauer continued to work in both film and television. He appeared in Sin City (2005), Batman Begins (2005), and Hobo with a Shotgun (2011). He also had roles in television series such as True Blood and The Last Kingdom.

Personal life

Hauer married Ineke ten Kate in 1985, and they remained together until his death. He had one daughter, Aysha Hauer, who is also an actress.

Death

Rutger Hauer died on 19 July 2019 at his home in Beetsterzwaag, Netherlands, following a short illness. He was 75 years old.

Legacy

Hauer is remembered for his versatile acting skills and his ability to portray complex characters. His role in Blade Runner remains one of the most memorable performances in science fiction history.

Filmography

Selected films

• Turkish Delight (1973)
• Soldier of Orange (1977)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Ladyhawke (1985)
• The Hitcher (1986)
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
• Sin City (2005)
• Batman Begins (2005)
• Hobo with a Shotgun (2011)

Awards and nominations

Hauer received several awards throughout his career, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the television film Escape from Sobibor (1987).

See also

• List of Dutch actors
• Blade Runner
• Paul Verhoeven

External links

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