Rutger Hauer for me was one of those actors who filled a void in my youth with a string of sci-fi, horror and action movies that may not have been the best things you’ve ever seen but they definitely sit right in my mind. Movies like Split Second, Omega Doom, The Hitcher, Blind Fury, Fatherland, Precious Find and well, the list goes on, all need to be on your have watched or must watch list.
Many will remember Rutger for his portrayal of Roy Batty, the skin job looking to extend his life in the movie Blade Runner. Did he steal the screen in this? I think so. He often stole the show in many movies where he had support roles to the bigger names on the screen. His credits stack into the countless with movies, TV shows, adverts, video games and music videos.
As an actor I think he was underrated and never quite seemed to get those big roles that he would’ve been perfect for. Maybe people always thought of him as that replicant. At 75, which doesn’t seem old these days, it is believed that he filmed his last role as the Ghost of Christmas Future in the TV mini-series A Christmas Carol to be released later this year.
Rutger also founded the Starfish Foundation, a charity to raise awareness and research of AIDS. He donated so many signed photos from across his career to help raise money and always seemed to be very generous with his time. Hauer was also a passionate environmentalist and was on the Sea Shepherd Board of Advisors. Hauer was proud to be Dutch and in 2013 he was knighted as a member of the Order of the Netherlands Lion for his contributions to Dutch culture.
In what seems to be a surreal ending in the Rutger Hauer tale, he passed away in 2019. This is the same year that the ill-fated Roy Batty passed away in Blade Runner. You couldn’t make this stuff up. Unfortunately, it saddens me to have to say; 2019 – time to die. Rest in peace, Rutger, and thanks for giving us so many great roles and great memories. Your movies will not be lost in time as they will continue to be loved long after your passing.
Thoughts go out to Rutger’s family and friends at this sad time.
