William Hurt’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Career of the Acclaimed Actor

William Hurt, a celebrated American actor and producer, left behind a legacy of remarkable performances across film, television, and stage. This article delves into William Hurt’s net worth at the time of his passing, along with a detailed exploration of his early life, extensive career, personal relationships, and the numerous accolades he received throughout his distinguished career.

Table of Contents

• What Was William Hurt’s Net Worth?
• Early Life
• Career Highlights
• Personal Life
• Awards and Nominations

What Was William Hurt’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death on March 13, 2022, William Hurt’s net worth was estimated to be $8 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a prolific career spanning several decades, encompassing a vast array of roles in both blockbuster films and critically acclaimed independent projects. Hurt’s financial success is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring appeal to audiences worldwide.

Early Life

William McChord Hurt was born on March 20, 1950, in Washington, D.C. His upbringing was marked by a privileged background; his father, Alfred, served in the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development, while his mother, Claire, worked for Time, Inc. The family dynamic shifted with his parents’ separation, after which Claire married Henry Luce III, whose father founded the renowned “Time” magazine. Hurt had two brothers. During his formative years at the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, Hurt showcased his acting talents, serving as vice president of the Dramatics Club and starring in numerous school plays. The school’s yearbook even predicted his future success, hinting at a possible Broadway career. After graduating in 1968, he initially pursued theology at Tufts University before making the pivotal decision to study acting at the Juilliard School. His classmates at Juilliard included fellow acting legends Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve, which solidified his dedication to the craft.

Career Highlights

William Hurt’s career began on the stage. In 1977, he joined the Circle Repertory Company, marking the beginning of his professional acting journey. Early roles included guest appearances on television shows like “Kojak” and the miniseries “The Best of Families.” His breakthrough in film came in 1980 with the science-fiction movie “Altered States,” where he earned a Golden Globe nomination. This early recognition set the stage for his future successes. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Hurt cemented his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor, known for his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters.

His filmography is extensive, with over 100 acting credits. Some of his most notable roles include:

• Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985): This performance earned him an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor.
• Children of a Lesser God (1986): Received an Academy Award nomination.
• Broadcast News (1987): Another Academy Award nomination.
• The Accidental Tourist (1988)
• A History of Violence (2005): Earned an Academy Award nomination.
• Into the Wild (2007): Received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
• The Incredible Hulk (2008) and subsequent Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Black Widow (2021), where he played Thaddeus Ross.
• The television series Damages (2009), Goliath (2016–2021), and Condor (2018–2020).
• The TV movie Too Big to Fail (2011).

In addition to his film and television work, Hurt also made his Broadway debut in 1984 with the production of “Hurlyburly,” which earned him a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play. His ability to seamlessly transition between different mediums demonstrated his versatility and commitment to his craft. Throughout his career, Hurt consistently chose roles that challenged him and pushed the boundaries of his talent, solidifying his status as a respected and admired actor.

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Personal Life

William Hurt’s personal life was as complex and layered as the characters he portrayed. He married actress Mary Beth Supinger on December 2, 1971; however, the marriage ended in divorce in late 1982. During this period, he became involved with Sandra Jennings, and they had a son named Alex in 1983. Despite their relationship, legal challenges arose when Jennings attempted to establish a common-law marriage in New York, which the court did not recognize. Hurt also had a highly publicized relationship with his “Children of a Lesser God” co-star Marlee Matlin, who later revealed details of abuse during their relationship in her autobiography, “I’ll Scream Later.”

He married Heidi Henderson on March 5, 1989, and they had two sons, Samuel and William, before divorcing in 1993. Hurt also has a daughter, Jeanne, born in 1994, with actress/director/screenwriter Sandrine Bonnaire. In May 2018, Hurt disclosed his diagnosis of terminal prostate cancer, which had spread to the bone. He underwent Side Effect-Free (SEF) Chemotherapy and credited it with prolonging his life. Despite his battle with cancer, Hurt continued to work until shortly before his death on March 13, 2022, at the age of 71.

Awards and Nominations

William Hurt’s exceptional talent was widely recognized throughout his career, as evidenced by his numerous awards and nominations. He received four Academy Award nominations, winning Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1986. Other nominations included “Children of a Lesser God,” “Broadcast News,” and “A History of Violence.” His performance in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” also earned him a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe nomination. His work in television, including his role in “Damages” and “Too Big to Fail,” also garnered Primetime Emmy nominations. He also won awards from the Cannes Film Festival, David di Donatello Awards, London Critics Circle Film Awards, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and National Board of Review.

Hurt’s contributions to film extended beyond leading roles. He received accolades for his supporting work, including an Austin Film Critics Association Award, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, North Texas Film Critics Association Award, and Utah Film Critics Association Award for “A History of Violence.” He was also recognized for his stage performances with Theatre World Awards and an Obie Award. His international recognition included a Golden Horse Film Festival Award and a Newport International Film Festival Best Actor Award. These awards demonstrate the enduring impact of Hurt’s acting career and his contributions to the art of film and theater.