On Sunday, John Hurt celebrated his 77th birthday. It would be his last.
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The legendary British actor, whose illustrous career spanned six-decades, passed away today—losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Hurt was diagnosed with the disease in 2015. During that same year, he opened up about his battle and said he didn’t fear death. “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,” he told Radio Times, while doing press for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. “We’re all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly. But my treatment is going terrifically well, so I’m optimistic.”
With so many to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to pick which role Hurt will be best remembered for. For our geeky community, he’ll be remembered for portraying the War Doctor in Doctor Who, Mr. Ollivander in the Harry Potter film series, High Chancellor Adam Sutler in V for Vendetta, Harold “Ox” Oxley in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm in the Hellboy films, and, of course, the crew member (Kane) that had an alien burst through his chest in Ridley Scott’s Alien.
Comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks, who directed Hurt in Spaceballs‘ chestburster parody scene, reacted to the sad news by tweeting: “It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt’s passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.”
To see how other celebrities—such as Elijah Wood, Chris Evans, Kiefer Sutherland, and Alfred Molina—reacted to Hurt’s death, click on our “Start Slideshow” feature.
MORE: Actor John Hurt Dies at 77 / John Hurt’s War Doctor Returning For Doctor Who Audio Series / Neil Gaiman Talks Renumbering the Doctor on Doctor Who, Pitying Your Friends / Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor 50th Anniversary Trailer Released / Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Trailer Now Online / Day of the Doctor Stills Bring Together Smith, Tennant, Hurt
Our thoughts and prayers go out to John Hurt’s family and friends.
Slide 1
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
Slide 2
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
Slide 3
My deepest sympathies to John Hurt’s family, friends and fans. He was a dear friend.
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) January 28, 2017
Slide 4
It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt’s passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
Slide 5
So sad to hear John Hurt has passed away. Merlin, Potter, Who, Indiana…the man spanned so much of what has and will always inspire me. RIP
— Carrie Hope Fletcher (@CarrieHFletcher) January 28, 2017
Slide 6
RIP the great John Hurt. He often picked roles that saw the future coming. pic.twitter.com/GaQD55UoJZ
— Gary Whitta? (@garywhitta) January 28, 2017
Slide 7
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
Slide 8
RIP John Hurt
— Colin o’donoghue (@colinodonoghue1) January 28, 2017
Slide 9
I will forever cherish the memories I have of the incomparable John Hurt. A brilliant actor & a beautiful soul.
— Jamie Bell (@1jamiebell) January 28, 2017
Slide 10
Dance until your feet hurt. laugh until your face hurts.
— Dominic Monaghan. (@DomsWildThings) January 28, 2017
Act until your John Hurt. #RIPJohnHurt
Slide 11
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
Slide 12
Rest in Peace to the actor genius #JohnHurt. Most folks know him from ALIEN but I loved him as Sir Richard Rich from A Man for All Seasons. pic.twitter.com/DvOoftaijH
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) January 28, 2017
Slide 13
Cannot believe news of passing of my old friend. Goodnight Sweet Prince #JohnHurt #amanforallseasons #alien #elephantman #midnightexpress pic.twitter.com/mQ1sAZBTpT
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) January 28, 2017
Slide 14
John Hurt’s Richard Rich in “A Man for All Seasons:” a paragon of heartbreaking human weakness & model for many of characters. #ButforWales pic.twitter.com/z6lUkpWBJZ
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) January 28, 2017
Slide 15
RIP John Hurt.
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) January 28, 2017
