Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, best known for his role in the sci-fi blockbuster Blade Runner, has died at the age of 75.

The movie star died at his home in the Netherlands following a short illness, and his funeral was held on Wednesday, his agent said.

The actor appeared in more than 100 Dutch and international films and won a Golden Globe for his role in the 1988 film Escape from Sobibor.

Image: Rutger Hauer has died aged 75

Hauer received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the replicant Roy Batty in the cult 1982 Ridley Scott-directed film Blade Runner.

He delivered a famous monologue in the movie, based around memory and death, which was one of the film's stand-out moments.


In the speech to Harrison Ford's character Rick Deckard, he said: "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."

Image: Hauer as Roy Batty in Blade Runner. Pic: Rex

The actor began his career by working on TV shows in the Netherlands, and formed a partnership with the director Paul Verhoeven.

He made his English-speaking debut opposite Michael Caine in 1975, in The Wilby Conspiracy.

His other films include Blind Fury, Sin City, Batman Begins, The Hitcher and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

Image: Hauer at a film festival in 2011

Paying tribute, director Guillermo Del Toro tweeted: "RIP the great Rutger Hauer: an intense, deep, genuine and magnetic actor that brought truth, power and beauty to his films.

"My personal favourites: Flesh + Blood, Eureka, The Hitcher, Blade Runner, Ladyhawke and Blind Fury."