Legendary Actor Sir John Hurt passes away aged 77

The Oscar-nominated star, known more recently for his roles in Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, has died aged 77 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is 2015.

The Alien actor continued to work despite his diagnosis, and can recently starred as Father Richard McSorley in Jackie, the biopic or President John F. Kennedy’s wife.

BBC Obituary

John Hurt was one of Britain’s best-known and most versatile actors.

He was born on 22 January, 1940 in Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Over six decades, he appeared in more than 120 films as well as numerous stage and television roles.

He went to St Martin’s School of Art in London before gaining a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1960.

The death of his character in the film Alien has often been voted as one of cinema’s most memorable moments.

The film critic and historian Geoff Andrew once asked Hurt how he managed to regularly turn in such memorable performances.

“The only way I can describe it is that I put everything I can into the mulberry of my mind and hope that it is going to ferment and make a decent wine,” he said.

“How that process happens, I’m sorry to tell you I can’t describe.”