Actor Buddy Duress, known for his roles in “Good Time” and “Heaven Knows What,” has passed away at the age of 38.

According to his brother, Christopher Stathis, Duress died in November 2023 due to a ‘cardiac arrest from a drug cocktail.’ The actor, who made his debut in Josh and Benny Safdie’s 2014 film “Heaven Knows What,” had a tumultuous life, including stints in jail and a history of legal troubles. Despite his challenges, Duress leaves behind his mother Jo-Anne and younger brother Christopher.

After his breakout role in “Heaven Knows What,” Duress collaborated with the Safdie brothers once again in the 2017 film “Good Time,” starring alongside Robert Pattinson. He also appeared in several other film projects, including “Person to Person,” “Funny Pages,” “Flinch,” “Beware of Dog,” and “The Mountain,” among others.

Despite his talent, Duress’s career was often hindered by his legal issues. In 2019, comedian Pete Davidson expressed interest in casting him for a film directed by Judd Apatow, but Duress was unable to audition due to his incarceration at Rikers Island.

Duress’s journey into acting began when he met Josh Safdie after being released from Rikers Island. He landed a role in “Heaven Knows What” but was later arrested and returned to prison. However, his experiences inspired the Safdie brothers to incorporate his story into their script for “Good Time.”

Throughout his life, Duress faced numerous legal challenges, including arrests for grand larceny and menacing. Despite these struggles, those who worked with him praised his talent and dedication to his craft. Director Cameron Van Hoy, who bailed Duress out during the filming of “Flinch,” described him as “pure electricity on screen” and admired his commitment to acting.

Another director, Jay Karales, who worked with Duress on “Mass State Lottery,” remembered him as a charismatic actor and a humble man. He described Duress’s death as a ‘tragic and frustrating loss of visceral talent’ and praised his authenticity and charisma on screen.

In a tribute on Instagram, Karales expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to work with Duress, describing him as an ‘absolute treasure’ and stating that he brought a unique authenticity to his performances.

RIP.