Buddy Duress, 'Good Time' actor, dead at 38

Buddy Duress, best known for starring in the film 'Good Time' alongside Robert Pattinson, died unexpectedly at the young age of 38, causing shockwaves in the hearts of his fans and colleagues alike.

The actor succumbed to cardiac arrest in November 2023, a tragic end attributed to a lethal combination of drugs, his brother Christopher told People in February 2024.

Image: buddyduress / Instagram

Born as Michael C. Stathis in Queens, New York, in May 1985, Buddy embarked on a wild life that would unfold in very unexpected ways, leading him from the streets of New York to the silver screen.

His journey into acting began with his role in the Safdie Brothers' 2014 film 'Heaven Knows What', a project that marked his debut and set the tone for his career in indie cinema.

The pivot point in Duress's life came after meeting filmmaker Josh Safdie in 2013, which came after he had just been released from Rikers Island prison and was on the run after fleeing a mandatory drug-in-patient program. “I still look back at it. If I had went to that program, I wouldn’t have been in ‘Heaven Knows What,’ and I probably wouldn’t be an actor right now,” he told SSense in 2017.

Despite the personal setbacks of being in jail during the premiere of 'Heaven Knows What', Buddy's raw and authentic performance garnered attention and praise, setting a precedent for his future in acting and the world of film.

Image: buddyduress/Instagram

The Safdie Brothers then urged him to write a journal about his time in jail, which was adapted for a script of the film ‘Good Time.’ He also ended up starring in the hit indie film. His portrayal in 'Good Time', alongside Robert Pattinson, catapulted him further into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to bring depth and realism to his characters.

Despite his growing success in the film industry, Duress struggled with legal troubles, including arrests for grand larceny, threats, and possession charges, according to the New York Post.

Image: buddyduress/Instagram

After his first two breakthrough films, Duress starred in various short films and features such as 'Flinch' in 2021 and 'The Great Darkened Days in 2018. "Buddy was pure electricity on screen. Working with him was one of the great adventures of my life,” ‘Flinch’ director Cameron Van Hoy told People.

Image: buddyduress/Instagram

It wasn’t just Van Hoy, several people in the media industry have shared their heartfelt tributes, remembering Buddy as an unparalleled talent and a genuine individual whose presence enriched the lives of those around him and left a lasting impact on film. “Buddy Duress was a once-in-a-lifetime charismatic actor and a genuinely humble man that left an impression on everyone he met,” director Jay Karales told People.