When beloved actor Bud Cort, best known for his iconic role in the 1971 classic “Harold and Maude,” passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at age 77 in Connecticut, his death reminds California families of an important truth: proper estate planning protects your legacy and ensures your wishes are honored when you’re gone.
Who Was Bud Cort and Why His Story Matters to California Residents
Bud Cort personified Harold in Hal Ashby’s “Harold and Maude,” a film about a young man obsessed with death who learns to embrace life from a 79-year-old Holocaust survivor played by Ruth Gordon. After a long illness, Cort died with family members surviving him across New York—his brother Joseph Cox, sisters Kerry Cox, Tracy Cox Berkman, and Shelly Cox Dufour, along with multiple nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned in Los Angeles.
For California residents managing estates or planning for their family’s future, Cort’s passing highlights critical questions:
Estate Planning Lessons from a Hollywood Legacy
Bud Cort’s career spanned over five decades, with roles in Robert Altman’s “Brewster McCloud,” “MASH,” “The Life Aquatic,” “Dogma,” and “Coyote Ugly”. He survived a devastating 1979 car accident that required numerous surgeries and affected his career trajectory. He earned BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for his unforgettable performance in “Harold and Maude”.
When someone with such a multifaceted career and personal history passes away, their estate often includes:
How California Probate Works and Why Planning Ahead Matters
California’s probate process can be lengthy and expensive, often taking 12-18 months and consuming 3-5% of the estate’s value in court fees and attorney costs. For California residents concerned about protecting their family’s inheritance, proper estate planning is essential.
Key estate planning documents every California resident should have:
What Happens When Someone Dies Without an Estate Plan in California?
When a California resident dies without a will or trust, the state’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits—which may not align with your wishes. This can lead to:
How California Probate and Trust, PC Protects Your Family’s Future
For California residents feeling anxious about the complexity of estate planning or currently navigating probate, California Probate and Trust, PC offers transparent, compassionate guidance. With offices serving Sacramento, Fair Oaks, and San Francisco, our certified estate planning specialists have helped thousands of California families create customized plans that protect their assets and honor their wishes.
Whether you’re a young parent establishing guardianship provisions, a retiree protecting wealth for the next generation, or an executor managing a loved one’s estate, our experienced attorneys provide:
Take Action Now to Protect Your California Legacy
Bud Cort’s legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances and the lives he touched. Your legacy deserves the same thoughtful protection.
Schedule your free estate planning consultation with California Probate and Trust, PC today. Call (866)-674-1130 or visit cpt.law to speak with a Sacramento-based estate planning attorney who understands California law and values transparency and family protection.
Source: Variety – Bud Cort Dead: ‘Harold and Maude’ Star Was 77
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. For specific guidance regarding your estate planning needs, please consult with a qualified California estate planning attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC is available to discuss your unique situation during a free consultation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.