Rutger Hauer was a Dutch actor most known for his stunning turn as the humanoid Roy Batty in Ridley Scott’s visionary 1982 sci-fi epic, Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford.
Considered unanimously as one of the best Dutch actors of all time, he starred in the 1973 movie, Turkish Delight, which was considered the “Best Dutch Film of the Century” in 1999.
Hauer passed away in 2019 at age 75 as one of the most revered actors — Dutch or otherwise — of all time and one of the most prolific: with over 170 acting credits.
In this article, we look at the life and legacy of actor Rutger Hauer including his net worth at the time of his death.
What was Rutger Hauer Worth at the Time of His Death?
At the time of his death in 2022, Rutger Hauer was believed to have been worth $18 million. Hauer was an eminent actor who made his on-screen debut in 1968, which says nothing of his theatre career — one he started when he was 11.
He made his on-screen debut as the lead in the Dutch medieval drama, Floris. His movie debut as the lead in the 1973 Dutch drama, Turkish Delight, made him a veritable superstar. The movie is the most successful movie in Dutch cinema history and served as the stepping stone that Rutger needed to break through into the international market.
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He made his international feature film debut in the 1975 thriller, The Wilby Conspiracy.
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Source: The Guardian
His biggest role and the one he will forever be remembered for came in Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi thriller, Blade Runner. Rutger played the humanoid Roy Batty. His now-famous “tears in the rain” monologue, is lauded as one of the best monologues in cinema history.
A highly underappreciated movie, it would go on to be a cult phenomenon, spawning an even more successful sequel in 2017, Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling.
He went on to find a steady stream of success in the ensuing years in movies like Eureka, The Osterman Weekend, Flesh & Blood, Ladyhawke, and The Hitcher — taking home a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the latter.
He continued to perform well into his later years and had roles in movies like Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Sin City, Batman Begins, Hobo With a Shotgun, and The Heineken Kidnapping.
He also played Niall Brigant in the HBO vampire thriller drama, True Blood.
He published his autobiography, “All Those Moments: Stories of Heroes, Villains, Replicants, and Blade Runners”, in April 2007.
Philanthropy and the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association
Rutger has been involved in many charity drives and philanthropic efforts. Most notably, he founded the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association, a non-profit organization that works for AIDS awareness and relief.
He was also a passionate environmentalist and was on the board of advisors on the marine-life conservation organization, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Rutger Hauer was Born to Dutch Actors Teunke Mellema and Arend Hauer
Rutger Hauer was born Rutger Oelsen Hauer to the Dutch actors, Teunke Mellema and Arend Hauer — who operated their own acting school in Amsterdam.
Born on January 23, 1944, in Breukelen, Utrecht, Netherlands, Rutger was the only son of four born to his parents, who — as he admitted — were more interested in art than their children.
He inherited his parents’ passion for acting and joined a Rudolf Steiner school. He did drop out to join the Dutch merchant navy. He returned home and joined e Academy for Theater and Dance in Amsterdam, but dropped out to join the Royal Netherlands Army.
He became a combat medic but being a pacifist, refused to handle a deadly weapon. He was discharged soon after and returned to complete his acting degree and graduated in 1967.
Was Rutger Hauer Married? Did He Have any Children?
At the time of his death, Rutger Hauer was married to his second wife, the Dutch painter, and sculptor, Ineke Ten Kate.
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Source: Superb Hub
They got married in a private ceremony on November 22, 1985.
Rutger has a daughter, Ayesha Hauer (born in 1966), with his first wife, Heidi Merz.
How Did Rutger Hauer Die?
On July 19, 2019, Rutger Hauer passed away suddenly at his home in Beetsterzwaag, Friesland, Netherlands, at 75. He was reported to have died of an unspecified illness. A private memorial service was held for the legend on July 24.
His passing away was almost prophetic in that his character in Blade Runner also passes away in the year 2019.
