‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Elephant Man’ actor John Hurt dies—media

This file photo taken on January 27, 2015 shows British actor John Hurt giving a speech during a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony at Central Hall Westminster in London.
Hurt, known for his roles in “Elephant Man” and “Harry Potter”, has died aged 77 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, reports said on January 28, 2017 citing his agent. AFP FILE PHOTO

LONDON—British actor John Hurt, known for his roles in “Elephant Man” and “Harry Potter”, has died aged 77 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, reports said Saturday citing his agent.

The actor, who played Mr. Ollivander in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, also starred in the film adaptation of George Orwell’s novel “1984” and played the role of Kane in “Alien”.

He was twice nominated for an Oscar, for his performance in the 1978 film “Midnight Express” as Max, a British man imprisoned in Turkey, and for his starring role in “Elephant Man” two years later.

He also received a BAFTA award for “Midnight Express”, as well as a Golden Globe in the best actor in a supporting role category.

His death was confirmed to the British press agency PA by his agent Charles McDonald.

Born on January 22, 1940 in Chesterfield, central England, Hurt appeared in some 140 films.

The actor, who received four BAFTAs during his career which began in the 1960s, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.

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