John Hurt Said He Did Not Fear Death in Last Interview: ‘I Can’t Say I Worry About Mortality’
“We’re all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly. But my treatment is going terrifically well, so I’m optimistic,” he added.
I would like to make a statement. I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer,” the statement read. “I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team.”
The star, whose career spanned over six decades, was best known for his roles in 1980’s Elephant Man, for which he received his second Oscar nomination, and as wandmaker Mr. Ollivander in three of the Harry Potter films.
Most recently, Hurt starred alongside Natalie Portman in the Oscar-nominated Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis film, Jackie.
Hurt was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in December 2014.
Hurt, who died at the age of 77, had a long-lasting career in films and the stage, starring in such classics as David Lynch’s The Elephant Man and Midnight Express.
Midnight Express (1978)
In Dr. Who 2013
V for Vendetta 2005
Close friend Richard E. Grant was heartbroken by the news, tweeting, “So so sad to have lost such an extraordinary talent and friend. Sir John Hurt. R. I. P.”
Hurt was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, but later said he was clear of the disease.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 and spoke to PEOPLE about his role in The Elephant Man.
“The role stretched me to the limits,” he said of the latter film. Most recently, Hurt starred alongside Natalie Portman in the Oscar-nominated Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis film Jackie.