The distinctive character actor who became forever associated with the offbeat romance "Harold and Maude" has passed away at the age of 77. Bud Cort’s death from a long illness was confirmed earlier this week in Connecticut, where the character actor had been living. Bud Cort was more than just Harold in the offbeat romance "Harold and Maude" – the character actor was a quietly influential presence in cinema for decades, known for his choices of roles that did not necessarily fit the Hollywood mould. Bud Cort had a career spanning over five decades, although the character actor is best known for his role in "Harold and Maude," his career was far more extensive than just the one role for which he became famous.Bud Cort was born Walter Edward Cox on March 29, 1948, in New Rochelle, New York. He later changed his name to avoid being confused with another actor. Bud Cort’s breakthrough role came after being discovered in a stage revue, which led to his being cast by director Robert Altman in "MASH*," followed by the lead role in "Brewster McCloud" in 1970.Bud Cort: Remembering the Harold and Maude StarIt was only a year later that he would take the role that would cement his legacy: Harold is a young man obsessed with death who finds happiness with the unexpected: Maude, an older woman played by Ruth Gordon in the cult classic Harold and Maude.While the film itself was never exactly a success upon its release, with the audience unsure of what to make of the strange blend of dark comedy and philosophy, over time it would become a cult favorite for its offbeat nature. The slow burn to cult status would make Cort’s performance iconic, with his work being nominated for a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award.Even as the status of Harold and Maude grew over the years, Cort never failed to seek out eclectic roles. He would go on to appear in everything from independent films to more mainstream movies such as Heat and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He would even lend his voice to animated characters such as Toyman from the DC animated universe. Fans are sharing their favorite moments of his work, from everything from his earlier roles to the more obscure parts that he would play that would leave a lasting impression.When thinking of Bud Cort now, it is evident that his legacy is more than simply the character that he would play. While he is gone, his legacy lives on through his work, especially with Harold and Maude. It is a reminder that sometimes the unexpected is the performance that we will never forget.