John Hurt, the British actor who played lead roles in popular franchises such as Alien and Harry Potter, has passed on to the afterlife. His death was announced on Friday.
He is survived by his wife of twelve years 12 years, Anwen Rees-Myers.
Hurt will be remembered for his roles in Hercules (2014), Melancholia (2011), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1 & 2), V For Vendetta (2006) and many more.
He battled cancer and intestinal problems in recent years after a fulfilling career which lasted over six decades.
Back in 2015 while he was hospitalized for pancreatic cancer, the veteran actor wished he could live on forever. In his words: “I hope I shall have the courage to say, ‘Vroom! Here we go! Let’s become different molecules!”
“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 added.
“We’re all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly.”
Here’s what celebrities are tweeting in his honor:
“JOHN HURT. Simply an inspiration to all of us artists,” wrote Vincent D’Onofrio, who also posted four pictures of the deceased. “Hopefully his skill in acting will influence many actors in the future for a long long time.”
John Hurt. What an acting legend. Rest in peace dear Sir. Wand shopping won’t be the same without you ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/jRrRCX8PZv
— Bonnie Wright (@thisisbwright) 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. Simply an inspiration to all of us artists. Hopefully he will influence many actors in the future for a long long time. pic.twitter.com/LDlB07CB58
— Vincent D’Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) 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
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
My deepest sympathies to John Hurt’s family, friends and fans. He was a dear friend.
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) January 28, 2017
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
Image shows Hurt and his wife Anwen.
John Hurt
Magnificent majestic
Such a loss
Hurting heart at the news— JudithLight (@JudithLight) January 28, 2017
John Hurt, one of the finest actors of our time, and the loveliest person. This is terrible news. So, so sad.
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) January 28, 2017
RIP my dear friend John Hurt. You were an awesome talent, an amazing co-star, and a better friend…you will be missed by all who knew you
— Jason Priestley (@Jason_Priestley) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt
— Colin o’donoghue (@colinodonoghue1) January 28, 2017
So sad to hear that John Hurt has passed away. Love his wonderful work.
https://t.co/ojTJywBHyW
— Betty Buckley (@BettyBuckley) January 28, 2017
God speed to John Hurt, a legendary actor and good human being.
— Sharon Stone (@sharonstone) 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 so sad to have lost such an extraordinary talent and friend. Sir John Hurt. R. I. P.pic.twitter.com/J2eMMBVNLB
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) January 28, 2017
John Hurt, querido compañero, carnal y amigo: ¿Cómo aceptar tu partida si te siento tan vivo? En cada película, en cada cuadro.
— Gael Garcia Bernal (@GaelGarciaB) January 28, 2017
Oh no. RIP John Hurt. He made everything he was in better. I was looking forward to seeing many more performances.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) January 28, 2017
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
Dance until your feet hurt. laugh until your face hurts.
Act until your John Hurt. #RIPJohnHurt
— Dominic Monaghan. (@DomsWildThings) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt. Such a brilliant actor. pic.twitter.com/FdQeLokE5I
— Mo Gaffney (@mogaffney) January 28, 2017
Sad re John Hurt. I was in a film with him and he was so mesmerising I kept forgetting to act and just watched him. A genius & a lovely man.
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 28, 2017
John Hurt was the center of the best scene in Alien, and then was cool enough to parody it in Spaceballs. #RIP
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) January 28, 2017
Rest n Peace John Hurt, I had the honor to get to work with and know this wonderful man, and incredible actor. Your spirit will b missed.
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) January 28, 2017
“If you listen, you learn; if you talk, you don’t.” – John Hurt #RIPpic.twitter.com/u4VvrDzXzo
— The Film Stage
(@TheFilmStage) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt — always-intelligent star of THE ELEPHANT MAN, ALIEN and so much more. pic.twitter.com/4F3VKD3VzL
— AFI (@AmericanFilm) January 28, 2017
We’re hugely saddened to hear about the passing of John Hurt. Thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/O1moIDitvS
— Pottermore (@pottermore) January 28, 2017
We are deeply saddened to learn that BAFTA winner John Hurt has passed away.https://t.co/xs53mo0Pby
— BAFTA New York (@BAFTANY) January 28, 2017
Trying to “highlight” John Hurt’s film career in a few tweets is absurd. He was in everything, and he was always a welcome sight. pic.twitter.com/SdlYdh30My
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) January 28, 2017
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Hurt, who played Mr. Ollivander. Harry Potter fans will miss… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…—
Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 28, 2017
God bless his soul.
RIP John Hurt. You lived well.