The world of cinema mourns the loss of Buddy Duress, renowned for his roles in the Safdie Brothers’ films, who has passed away at the age of 38. The actor’s brother, Christopher Stathis, confirmed the heartbreaking news to People, revealing that Buddy succumbed to cardiac arrest induced by a lethal drug combination back in November.
Born as Michael Stathis in Queens, New York, Duress marked his acting debut in the Safdie Brothers’ 2014 film, Heaven Knows What. His journey into acting took an unconventional turn, as he met Josh Safdie soon after his release from Rikers Island for drug charges. Despite legal troubles, Duress embraced the opportunity to star in the film, acknowledging that it played a pivotal role in shaping his acting career.
Reflecting on his experience, Duress confessed to SSense, “If I had gone to that program, I wouldn’t have been in Heaven Knows What, and I probably wouldn’t be an actor right now. That’s the honest truth.”
Duress’s collaboration with the Safdie Brothers continued with the acclaimed film Good Time, where he worked alongside Robert Pattinson. The brothers incorporated a journal that Duress maintained during his prison stint into the script, showcasing the unique synergy between the actor and directors.
Despite legal setbacks, Duress contributed to various movies and short films, leaving an impact on the screen. His arrest in 2019 and subsequent legal challenges did not deter his passion for filmmaking. Cameron Van Hoy, director of Flinch, attested to Duress’s magnetic on-screen presence, describing him as “pure electricity” and expressing heartbreak over the tragic end to his life.
Survived by his mother Jo-Anne and brother Christopher, Duress leaves behind two unreleased projects: the short film Skull and the feature film Mass State Lottery. Jay Karales, the director of the latter, expressed profound sorrow, describing Duress as a “once in a lifetime charismatic actor” whose life experiences informed his unparalleled skills.
In a 2017 interview, Duress contemplated his unique approach to acting, stating, “Whatever thought process or chemicals that make people embarrassed or nervous, I just don’t have that. I’m not trying to brag. I just don’t get scared. My heart rate never goes up.”
To hear more about his death, check out the video below.
What role or moment from Duress’ filmography resonates with you the most, and why?
