John Hurt has early pancreatic cancer; actor is ‘more than optimistic’
John Hurt, who attended the Royal Academy of Arts’s Summer Exhibition on June 3 in London, has pancreatic cancer.
John Hurt, known to one generation of moviegoers as the Elephant Man and another as Ollivander of “Harry Potter” fame, has early-stage pancreatic cancer.
“I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team,” the 75-year-old actor said in a statement Tuesday.
“I have always been open about the way in which I conduct my life,” he said, and it was “in that spirit” that the British performer shared the news.
Hurt, who married fourth wife Anwen Rees-Myers in 2005, will keep working as he receives treatment.
“I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording ‘Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell’ (one of life’s small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4.”
Hurt is a two-time Oscar nominee: Once for the lead role of John Merrick in “The Elephant Man” and, before that, for a supporting role in 1978 best-picture nominee “Midnight Express.” He was knighted last December.
Another notable role: “Alien” crew member Kane, whose chest exploded during a meal as the baby alien burst out and into cinematic history.
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