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William Hurt Biography

Birth Name:
William McChord Hurt
Birth Place:
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Profession
Actor, producer

Fast Facts

  • His father was a U
  • S
  • State Department employee; the family lived for a time in Guam and Hurt would visit his father in places like Somalia and the Sudan
  • Made his New York stage debut in the New York Shakespeare Festival's Henry V
  • Won an Obie Award for Best Actor and a Theatre World Award for Best Debut Performance for his role in the 1977 production of My Life
  • Made his big-screen acting debut in 1980 in the cult sci-fi drama Altered States
  • Ex-girlfriend Sandra Jennings, the mother of his son Alexander Devon, tried unsuccessfully in the late '80s to have their relationship declared a common-law marriage so that she could sue for a share of the actor's assets
  • Received the inaugural Spencer Tracy Award for outstanding screen performances and professional achievement from the UCLA Campus Events Commission in 1988
  • Awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from his alma mater, Tufts University

Awards

  • 2012Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2011Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2010Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2009Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2007Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2006Critics' Choice Awards-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
  • 2005Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2005Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2005Online Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2005New York Film Critics Circle-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 1999Genie Awards-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1988Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: nominated
  • 1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
  • 1987Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1986Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
  • 1986Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1986BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Leading Role: winner
  • 1985Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: winner
  • 1985Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Actor: winner
  • 1985National Board of Review-Best Actor: winner
  • 1981Golden Globe-New Star of the Year - Actor: nominated

Relationships