William Hurt passed away at the age of 71. After studying at Tufts University and transferring to Juilliard to study acting, Hurt started bagging roles on the stage and screen. The 1980 film ‘Altered States’ was his breakthrough film. While he won his first and only Oscar for ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ in 1986, he also got nominated in 1987 (Children of a Lesser God) as well as 1988 (Broadcast News)—3 consecutive nominations including one win. His 4th and final Oscar nomination was for his brief, but remarkable turn in ‘A History of Violence’.
New York-based Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik had known the charismatic Hollywood actor for many years. Hurt used to visit Tirlok Malik’s Ayurveda Cafe on the upper west side in Manhattan, New York whenever he was in the neighborhood. They both enjoyed food and conversation. They first met years ago and struck a great rapport, talking about spirituality, India, and Indian food.
Fondly remembering the ‘Altered States’ actor, Malik said, “In 2018, it was already known through the media that Mr Hurt had cancer. Last time when he was in Ayurveda Cafe, I gave him a hug and said, ‘Love you Mr Hurt.’ That was the last time I saw him.” He further added, “The world of cinema has lost a great actor to cancer. Death is prewritten and the cause is just an excusable reason and so at the same time life should be lived to the fullest each and every day as you never know when it’s over.”
