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Acclaimed actor John Hurt dies aged 77

Veteran actor John Hurt has died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 77, his agent has confirmed...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.01 28 Jan 2017


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Acclaimed actor John Hurt dies...

Acclaimed actor John Hurt dies aged 77

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.01 28 Jan 2017


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Veteran actor John Hurt has died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 77, his agent has confirmed.

The renowned British actor starred in more than 200 films and TV series during an illustrious career which spanned six decades.

He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Quentin Crisp in 'The Naked Civil Servant', as well as his performances in 'The Elephant Man', '1984', 'Watership Down' and 'Midnight Express'.

He recently found new fans when he starred as Mr Ollivander in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' and in two other films in the series.

John Hurt has always had an affinity for Ireland, he lived in County Wicklow for five years and for two years in Bunclody, Co Wexford. He was well known to Irish audiences for playing the character Bird O'Donnell in John B Keane's 'The Field', alongside Richard Harris.

One of his most recent performances was in the Oscar-nominated film 'Jackie', which recently released in Irish theatres. 

He won four BAFTA awards during his career, including a lifetime achievement recognition for his outstanding contribution to British cinema in 2012. He was also nominated for two Academy Awards.

Last June, he pulled out of the West End production 'The Entertainer' on advice from doctors, as he had been suffering from an intestinal complaint.

He had continued to work throughout his treatment for pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Anwen Rees-Myers, who he married in 2005.

Author J.K. Rowling was among those who paid tribute to the actor on social media. 

 

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