Actor Rutger Hauer dies aged 75
Dutch actor and writer, Rutger Hauer, has passed away at the age of 75, following “a very short illness”.
Steven Kenis, Hauer’s agent, confirmed that the movie icon had died last week Friday, 19 July, at his home in the Netherlands. A funeral is planned for Wednesday morning.
The prolific moviestar acted in both Dutch and English productions; the most notable films he acted in include “Ladyhawke”, “Sin City” and Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic “Blade Runner”.
Hauer was born in 1944, to parents who were both acting teachers. At age 15 he left home to join the Dutch merchant navy, but returned to Amsterdam three years later.
His first major film role was the lead in 1969 Dutch television series “Floris”.
Hauer established the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association, an AIDS awareness organisation.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ineke ten Cate, and his daughter, actress Aysha Hauer.
His website stated: “One of [Rutger Hauer’s] last wishes was that Starfish should continue its charity activity … we will follow [his] wish and will do our best to carry on [his] inestimable legacy.”
