Legendary British actor Sir John Hurt has sadly passed away at the age of 77. The screen icon passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
John Hurt dies at 77.
Hurt was a veteran of stage and screen making his debut in the 1960s TV show Z Cars. From there he went on to star in hundreds of productions, including The Elephant Man and Midnight Express, for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He did win four Bafta Awards during his career, including a lifetime achievement recognition for his outstanding contribution to British cinema in 2012.
His most famous role was arguably as Kane in Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi classic Alien, and later in life as Ollivander in the Harry Potter films.
He was also seen in films like V for Vendetta, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and 1984. He even played the iconic Doctor Who in the 50th anniversary special in 2013.
As expected, tributes flooded in from Hollywood from peers and friends.
Oh no. What terrible news. We’ve lost #JohnHurt as great on the stage, small screen and big. A great man & great friend of Norfolk & #NCFC
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 28, 2017
So very sad to hear that the immensely talented and deeply beloved John Hurt has died. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 28, 2017
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Hurt, who played Mr. Ollivander. Harry Potter fans will miss him very much. pic.twitter.com/xgSjePd4aV
— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt. Always great pic.twitter.com/rbPssFNVsy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 28, 2017
It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt’s passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
My deepest sympathies to John Hurt’s family, friends and fans. He was a dear friend.
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) January 28, 2017
Very sad to hear of John Hurt’s passing. It was such an honor to have watched you work, sir.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 28, 2017
So sorry to hear of Sir John Hurt’s passing. A gloriously talented actor, one of the best, of this or any era. Rest in peace, sir.
— Alfred Molina (@OfficialMolina) January 28, 2017
John Hurt was one of the most powerful, giving, and effortlessly real actors I’ve ever worked with. Remarkable human being. U will be missed
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) January 28, 2017
As he battled cancer in 2015 he did not wish for an afterlife.
“I hope I shall have the courage to say, ‘Vroom! Here we go! Let’s become different molecules!” he told the Radio Times at the time.”
“I can’t say I worry about mortality, but it’s impossible to get to my age and not have a little contemplation of it. We’re all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly.”
He is survived by his wife of twelve years, Ann Rees-Myers, and sons Alexander and Nick, from his third marriage with Jo Dalton.
Rest in peace.
