The award-winning actor John Hurt has passed away at the age of 77, his agent has confirmed.
Hurt’s most recent role was as Father Richard McSorley in the Natalie Portman-starring biopic Jackie.
Over his career, he appeared in over 200 films and TV shows including V For Vendetta, The Elephant Man, Doctor Who, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Brighton Rock, and The Gruffalo.
He was treated for pancreatic cancer in 2015 and was given the all-clear by doctors. Last year, however, he pulled out of the play The Entertainer, citing ill health.
As BBC News reports, Hurt decided not to undertake the role of Billy Rice in the production by Sir Kenneth Branagh on the advice of his doctors.
Tributes have already flooded in for the actor. J.K. Rowling tweeted: “So very sad to hear that the immensely talented and deeply beloved John Hurt has died. My thoughts are with his family and friends.” Hurt had played wand-maker Mr Ollivander in the film adaptations of her Harry Potter books.
Elijah Wood said: “It was such an honour to have watched you work, sir.” Mark Gatiss wrote: “The crumpled grandeur of John Hurt was always a joy to behold. That voice, those eyes – an almost painful sensitivity. So many wonders. RIP.”
Peter Serafinowicz added: “Every actor looked up to you. RIP John Hurt.”
See below for more tributes.
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
Every actor looked up to you. RIP John Hurt.
— Peter Serafinowicz (@serafinowicz) January 28, 2017
The crumpled grandeur of John Hurt was always a joy to behold. That voice, those eyes – an almost painful sensitivity. So many wonders. RIP.
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) January 28, 2017
I loved John Hurt. I worked with him many times. A generous, funny and intelligent man.Brilliant actor. Great storyteller. Going to miss him
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) 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
RIP John Hurt. Always great pic.twitter.com/rbPssFNVsy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 28, 2017
Who hasn't loved a John Hurt Movie or TV drama. Elephant Man, Quentin Crisp Midnight Express it goes on. Loss of a great great actor.
— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) January 28, 2017
John Hurt. Midnight Express. Nothing better. Ever.
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt "Archibald u speak! One must never underestimate the healing power of hatred!" Montrose in Rob Roy
— Axl Rose (@axlrose) January 28, 2017
What a fabulous actor, splendid voice and venerable human being. How sad to lose him. RIP John Hurt. Bri https://t.co/JpxM8XGml0
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) January 28, 2017