LONDON - Oscar-nominated British actor John Hurt, known for his roles in “Elephant Man” and “Harry Potter”, has died aged 77 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his wife said Saturday.
The versatile actor, who played Mr Ollivander in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and in two other films in the series, passed away in Norfolk, eastern England, on Wednesday, according to wife Anwen Rees Meyers.
He starred in the movie adaptation of George Orwell’s novel “1984” and played the role of Kane in “Alien”, who dies when the creature dramatically bursts from his chest in one of the most memorable death scenes in movie history.
He was twice nominated for an Oscar, in the best supporting actor category for his performance in the 1978 film “Midnight Express” as Max, a British man imprisoned in Turkey, and for his starring role two years later in “Elephant Man” about a severely deformed man in 19th century London.
He received a BAFTA award for “Midnight Express” as well as a Golden Globe in the best actor in a supporting role category.
Hurt’s death was confirmed by his widow Anwen.
“It is with deep sadness that I have to confirm that my husband, John Vincent Hurt, died on Wednesday 25th January 2017 at home in Norfolk,” she said in a statement released by publicist Charles McDonald.
“John was the most sublime of actors and the most gentlemanly of gentlemen with the greatest of hearts and the most generosity of spirit. He touched all our lives with joy and magic and it will be a strange world without him.”
“Lord of the Rings” star Elijah Wood paid tribute to the actor, writing on Twitter: “Very sad to hear of John Hurt’s passing. It was such an honor to have watched you work, sir.”
The actor, who received a total of four BAFTAs, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.
His cancer was diagnosed the following year but he did not give up his profession. He was however forced to pull out of a play last July on the advice of his doctors.
Aside from his wife, he is survived by two sons, Alexander and Nicholas. - AFP
