Legendary actor John Hurt has died, aged 77.
The Elephant Man star, whose career spanned over six decades, had battled with both cancer and an intestinal complaint in recent years.
He’s survived by his wife of 12 years, Anwen Rees-Myers, he recently starred as a priest in the Oscar nominated biopic of President John F. Kennedy’s widow, Jackie, currently showing in cinemas.
While battling pancreatic cancer in 2015, Sir John – the son of a clergyman – said he did not wish for an afterlife, saying: “I hope I shall have the courage to say, ‘Vroom! Here we go! Let’s become different molecules!”
He also said: “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. We’re all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly.”
During his career, Sir John picked up two Academy Award nominations – for The Elephant Man and Midnight Express.
He won four Baftas for films including An Englishman in New York and The Naked Civil Servant.
The star lead a colourful life, partying for many years with the likes of Peter O’Toole, Oliver Reed and Lucian Freud.
He once boasted he drank seven bottles of wine every day, though later reduced his estimate to three.
Notorious for his wild lifestyle, he was reportedly fond of saying his career track record “isn’t bad for an old drunk”
Source: Mirrors
