Walt Curtis (July 4, 1941 – August 25, 2023) was an American poet, novelist, and painter from Portland, Oregon.[1] His autobiographical work, Mala Noche (1977), became the basis for Gus Van Sant's 1985 film of the same name. He was the co-founder of the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission.[2] He hosted the poetry radio show "Talking Earth" at KBOO from 1971.[3] He wrote about and championed Oregon literary figures such as Joaquin Miller,[4] Hazel Hall,[5] Frances Fuller Victor,[6] and many others. He also acted in Property in 1978 and Paydirt in 1981.[7]
Portland Mayor Sam Adams declared July 1–7, 2010 "Walt Curtis Week."[8] Curtis died on August 25, 2023, at the age of 82.[1]