'Blade Runner' fans spot strange coincidence in Rutger Hauer's death
With the news that the veteran actor Rutger Hauer died last week at the age of 75 has come a peculiar alignment in the stars.
Hauer was best known for his iconic role as Roy Batty, the homicidal android 'replicant' hunted by Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard in Ridley Scott's benchmark sci-fi Blade Runner.
Ultimately, as Deckard closes in on Batty, who has become self-aware but whose life span is coming to an end, the two share a moment together, among the most memorable in cinema history.
Batty tells Deckard of the incredible things he has seen in space, and expresses sorrow at how when he dies his memories will be lost, 'like tears in rain', an unscripted line added by Hauer himself.
In Blade Runner, the year is 2019, meaning that Roy Batty and the iconic Hauer died in the same year. Which seems strangely poignant.
Jesus....just ok Wikipedia and realised Blade Runner was set in 2019. Which means Rutger Hauer and Roy Batty died in the same year 😳 #RIPRutgerHauer pic.twitter.com/dzHLbD73rE
— Nick (@ColossusNick) July 24, 2019
Rutger Hauer dying in 2019, the same year that the movie Bladerunner takes place and his character Roy Batty dies is just do 2019. 😪 pic.twitter.com/ghEoshLLRR
— angie fryer (@angie_fryer) July 24, 2019
"All those moments, will be lost in time like tears in rain."
Rest in Peace, Rutger Hauer.
Gone once again in 2019, but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/F2qwc38S0S— n8 💬 (@inatemyself) July 24, 2019
Hauer died on July 19, following a short illness, with his funeral being held yesterday, according to his agent.
Read more: Rutger Hauer dies at 75
Blade Runner was only Hauer's second appearance in a Hollywood movie, after making his name in his native Holland.
He went on to further iconic roles in The Hitcher and fantasy movie Ladyhawke, and made memorable appearances in Sin City, Batman Begins, True Blood and Buffy.
But he will always be remembered for playing Roy Batty...
“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.”
RIP Rutger Hauer.