Bud Cort, the renowned actor best known for his iconic role in the dark comedy 'Harold and Maude', has died at the age of 77 in Connecticut following a prolonged illness. Cort's career began when he was discovered by director Robert Altman, who cast him in several projects including 'M*A*S*H' and 'Brewster McCloud'. His performance in 'Harold and Maude' earned him nominations for prestigious awards such as the Golden Globe and BAFTA, propelling him into the spotlight despite the film's initial mediocre reception.

The film 'Harold and Maude', directed by Hal Ashby, featured Cort as a death-obsessed young man who forms a bond with a 79-year-old Holocaust survivor, played by Ruth Gordon. Although the film did not initially fare well with critics or audiences, it later gained a significant following and was acknowledged as a cult classic, appearing on notable lists such as the American Film Institute’s compilation of the funniest films ever made. In a reflective statement from 2012, Cort noted that upon reading the script, he believed it would become a timeless classic, though he acknowledged the studio struggled with its promotion during release.

Cort's relationship with the film was complex; while it opened many doors for him in Hollywood, he described it as “a blessing and a curse” in a 2014 interview. His unique talent and contributions to cinema have left a lasting impact, ensuring that both his performance and 'Harold and Maude' remain pivotal in the history of American film.