We've lost a virtual icon of the cult and genre movie today, with the passing of Rutger Hauer at the age of 75. While he is remembered by many for his performance as Roy Batty in the classic Blade Runner (for which he famously improvised the 'crying' scene), his overall career and contributions to the field earned him the Order of the Netherlands Lion. He was originally cast in the business for a television role by Paul Verhoeven, and was never far from acting after that. His versatility and dedication to the craft can't really be questioned. I recall the glee I felt hearing of his casting in Hobo with a Shotgun. I am sure many will join in saluting the man and his myriad of interesting characters.
RIP! I remember when Max Headroom had him on his talk show and called him "Rootbeer" throughout the interview.
Farewell Mr. Hauer. To me he will forever be remembered for Blade Runner and The Hitcher. Two monumental films that I've enjoyed very much over the years. I vaguely remember watching The Legend of the Holy Drinker, but I couldn't tell you much about it. I'm pretty sure I liked it a lot. Also, he will live on in my memory for his brilliant Guinness TV adverts back in the day, they were very atmospheric and iconic. The man was cool as fuck, nuff said.
Never did track that down, but I can't recommend enough the trio of feature films they made together: Turkish Delight, Soldier of Orange and Flesh + Blood. Treat yourself! Always sad when they have to go, but forever grateful for what they did while they were here.
So sad to see him go. The Hitcher was such a scary movie, it would not have worked with anyone else. And he died in 2019, just like Roy Batty. Back in 2002 he did an extremely bizarre interview on the Opie & Anthony radio show. He didn't leave when the show was over, so he was still in the studio when the next show with Ron & Fez started. Lots of long uncomfortable pauses, and the hosts kept leaving the studio to prank call him from the office next door. At one point I think they just left him completely alone and he was reading from the phone book or newspaper. This may be part of it but it definitely isn't the whole thing:
