In my obsession with getting other stories done and Picayune being caught up, I forgot to write about the passing of this actor who was somewhat a part of my life. Besides often getting mixed up with UK actor John Hurt (who passed away some years ago), he got his big start via Altered States, a movie I still need to see. Like many, I only know the scene everybody imitates and is better known as the ending to a-ha’s “Take On Me” music video.
The real major Science-Fi stuff he contributed to was Dark City, Lost in Space and the Dune miniseries. Not all big successes. Dark City was a let down when you discovered what the hell was really going on, rather stupid. Yet it never lived on as a staple seller for Hot Topic. I think he did a pretty decent job playing Professor Robinson in the 1998 take on Lost in Space given he’s in the presence of Gary Oldman. My love of the movie goes back and forth. Currently, the special effects didn’t hold up and the dialog around the second half is terrible but the story stays true to the impossible happening to the Jupiter 2 as the TV show emphasized. Lastly, I think his Duke Leto in Dune was alright given the character gets whacked pretty early by the Harkonens. Due to him having top billing to sell this joint SyFy-Europe project, Hurt continued to appear in Paul’s dreams during parts two and three.
Beyond Science Fiction, I know he’s Albert Brooks’ nemesis in Broadcast News, one of the numerous boring Boomers in The Big Chill or another package to resell old Motown singles, The Accidental Tourist and I do remember he gets played by Kathleen Turner in Body Heat. I only have interest in the first flick because Albert Brooks teamed up with James L Brooks often results in something funny.
Thanks for what you did William. I heard you could be a real asshole too, especially to Mary Maitlin as per her memoirs yet a couple obits said you did try to make amends.