Rutger Hauer passed away today in the country he was born, the Netherlands, at the age of 75.
Most people remember Rutger Hauer as the troubled and vengeful replicant Roy Batty in the Bladerunner (1992). While I too, found his performance in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic mesmerizing, it’s the smaller roles and films that I associate him with the most.
The enigmatic swordsman Nick Parker in the stellar martial arts flick Blind Fury. The heroic warrior Etienne Navarre in Richard Donner’s Ladyhawke (1985). The devious King Vortigern in the 1998 mini-series Merlin. The terrifying John Ryder in one of the greatest thrillers of all time The Hitcher (1986). The deliciously wacky Bog in one of my favorite sci-fi shows of all time Lexx.
So many roles, so many movies, one could go on and on. Rutger Hauer has left us a wondrous library that will entertain many generations to come.
Thank you for the memories Sir, and may you rest in peace.
