Buddy Duress, ‘Good Time’ Star, Passes Away at 38; Cause of Death Disclosed

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Beloved Actor Buddy Duress Passes Away at 38; Cause of Death Revealed

In a tragic turn of events, actor Buddy Duress, best known for his roles in “Heaven Knows What” and “Good Time,” has passed away at the age of 38. The news of his untimely death was confirmed by his brother Christopher Stathis, who revealed that Duress died in November 2023.

According to Stathis, Duress’ cause of death was a “cardiac arrest from a drug cocktail.” It is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and its devastating consequences. Despite his struggles, Duress had managed to create a name for himself in the film industry and had a promising career ahead of him.

Duress, a Queens native, made his acting debut in Josh and Benny Safdie’s film “Heaven Knows What” in 2014. Remarkably, he landed the role shortly after being released from Rikers Island, where he had served time for drug-related charges. This breakthrough paved the way for his collaboration with acclaimed actor Robert Pattinson in the highly acclaimed film “Good Time.”

Throughout his career, Duress appeared in several other films, including “Funny Pages,” “Flinch,” “Beware of Dog,” and “The Mountain.” His IMDb page reveals that he had two projects set to be released later this year, titled “Skull” and “Mass State Lottery.” It is heartbreaking to think that we will never have the opportunity to see him shine on the silver screen again.

However, Duress’ life was not without its challenges. He had a long history of legal troubles and had been in and out of jail at least ten times for various charges, ranging from heroin possession to identity theft. Despite these setbacks, he had garnered a dedicated fan base, including comedian Pete Davidson, who wanted Duress to audition for his film directed by Judd Apatow. Unfortunately, Duress was unable to seize that opportunity due to his incarceration at the time.

Duress’ journey in the film industry was marked by resilience and determination. Even while at Rikers, his breakout film “Heaven Knows What” premiered at the New York Film Festival in 2014. Three years later, director Dustin Guy Defa cast him in “Person To Person” after visiting Rikers to audition him. Duress expressed his desire to leave behind his troubled past and focus on his acting career, stating, “I’m done with the drugs, man. I want to get the f–k out of [jail], get on with my life, and keep acting.”

Despite the obstacles he faced, Duress’s talent and passion for acting were undeniable. His performances were filled with raw emotion and authenticity that captivated audiences. He leaves behind his mother, Jo-Anne, and his younger brother Christopher. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them during this difficult time.

The entertainment industry has lost a rising star with the passing of Buddy Duress. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need to support and uplift those battling addiction and mental health issues. Let us remember Buddy Duress for his talent, his determination, and the mark he left on the world of cinema. May he rest in peace.