The actor died following a recent battle with pancreatic cancer
John Hurt, the legendary actor that starred in The Elephant Man, Alien, Harry Potter and many others, has died. He was 77.
Hurt, who battled pancreatic cancer, passed away in London, according to his agent Charles McDonald.
In a career filled with memorable roles, the actor was twice nominated for an Oscar. He famously played the tortured John Merrick in David Lynch’s The Elephant Man and he also received a nomination for his role as the heroin addict Max in Midnight Express.
Film fans will also remember Hurt’s performances in the likes of V For Vendetta, 1984, Hellboy, Watership Down, The Proposition and many, many more.
Survived by his wife of 12 years, Anwen Rees-Myers, he recently starred as a priest in the Oscar nominated biopic of President John F. Kennedy’s widow, Jackie, currently showing in cinemas.
Among those to pay tribute to the actor was Mel Brooks, executive producer of The Elephant Man.
No one could have played The Elephant Man more memorably. He carried that film into cinematic immortality. He will be sorely missed.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) 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
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
John Hurt. Too many iconic performances to name. From Timothy Evans to John Merrick, from Midnight Express to Alien, he was inspirational. pic.twitter.com/qOQuj35Xlf
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/825214594977107968
RIP John Hurt pic.twitter.com/yRNvrox6Za
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/825185014845370368
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
RIP John Hurt. Always great pic.twitter.com/rbPssFNVsy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 28, 2017
RIP Sir John Hurt. You had me at Alien and broke me in two with The Elephant Man. Is this week over yet? Damn.
— James Roday Rodriguez 🍮 (@JamesRoday) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/porksmith/status/825199120453292034