Buddy Duress, Known for ‘Good Time’ Role, Dies at 38

Renowned for his captivating portrayal in the Safdie brothers’ gripping crime thriller “Good Time” alongside Robert Pattinson, Buddy Duress (born Michael C. Stathis) has tragically passed away at the age of 38. His brother, Christopher Stathis, disclosed to People on Tuesday that the actor succumbed to a cardiac arrest resulting from a lethal combination of drugs back in November 2023.

Born in Queens, New York, in May 1985, Duress made his breakthrough in the realm of cinema with his role in Josh and Benny Safdie’s 2014 film “Heaven Knows What,” sharing the screen with Caleb Landry Jones and Arielle Holmes. However, it was his portrayal of Ray, a streetwise drug dealer embroiled in a high-stakes escapade alongside Pattinson’s character, Connie Nikas, in “Good Time” that truly solidified his talent and garnered widespread acclaim.

Beyond his notable performances in “Heaven Knows What” and “Good Time,” Duress contributed his talent to an array of films including “Person to Person” (2017), “The Great Darkened Days” (2018), “Beware of Dog” (2020), “PVT Chat” (2020), “Flinch” (2021), and “Funny Pages” (2022). Additionally, he leaves behind two unreleased projects: a short film titled “Skull” and Jay Karales’ upcoming feature “Mass State Lottery,” slated for release later this year.

Jay Karales, also known as LowRes Wünderbred, the director and writer of “Mass State Lottery,” paid homage to Duress on the social media platform X/Twitter, reminiscing about the actor’s unparalleled charm and magnetic presence both on and off-screen. Karales fondly recalled Duress as an “absolute treasure” and praised his ability to infuse authenticity and charisma into his performances, remarking on the privilege of having worked alongside him.

Survived by his mother, Jo-Anne, and younger brother, Christopher, Buddy Duress leaves behind a legacy marked by his indelible contributions to the world of cinema and his enduring impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.