In Memorium: Sir John Hurt
It was recently announced publicly that actor Sir John Hurt passed away on the 27th Jan. 2017 aged 77. It would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to recognise his impact on film and television culture. But where do we even start? He was the original victim of the chest buster in Alien…
…which he brilliantly parodied it in Spaceballs…
“Oh no…not again…”…he was the first Aragorn in cinema…
…helped traumatise children in Watership Down…
…had an Oscar nominated role as John Merrick…
…lived the Trump administration early in 1984…
…before becoming the other side of the coin in V For Vendetta…
…he was Jim Henson’s Storyteller…
…he chose Harry Potter’s wand…
…and raised Hellboy…
…AND he was The Doctor.
Damn. This guy was good.
Born in Derbyshire in 1940, John Hurt was the son of an actress and a mathematician turned clergyman. He developed a passion for acting at an early age and spent time at the theatre with his mother. His parents and school did not support his goal to act professionally and he worked towards becoming an art teacher. In addition to attending college and learning art (painting nudes of his friends to pay tuition) Hurt continued to pursue acting and began landing major roles a few years later.
It wasn’t long before John Hurt started getting acclaim for his performances, and early roles in I, Claudius and Midnight Express. His career went on to include major film, television and theatre roles over the course of six decades. During this time he received multiple awards and honours, including being knighted in 2015.
Usually at this point we would highlight a particularly good stand out role, but I think the run down of key roles for geeky types better represents the legacy of John Hurt.
R.I.P. Sir John Hurt
Loved him in many roles but his voice acting as Aragorn and Hazel left a mark as those are films I saw growing up – hearing his distinctive voice, portaying noble leaders who doubt and yet stand strong – while the films like Alien and 1984 came later.
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Reblogged this on Geeking Out about It and commented:
This was an excellent send off!
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I agree that he had such a range of talent. In a recent TV interview he spoke of his work appealing to, ‘the tenderness of the individual as apposed to the cruelty of the crowd.’ That could be something worthwhile to aspire to?
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Reblogged this on Misanthropester.
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He was also the dragon who helped Merlin! (TV Series)
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Having played Abe Sapien, my youngest brother (Doug) was blessed to work with this fine actor, and he said so in a glowing tweet on Saturday.
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Your brother is lucky to have worked with Sir John, and a large number of other fantastic talents! Please give him our best, we’re always in admiration of his work.
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Thank you. He’ll have as starring role (main character) in another film within the year, I think.
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This is such heartbreaking news. Great tribute!
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Lovely tribute for a wonderful man who knew more than anyone how to express language eloquently and passionately. Particularly on the stage. As someone who has spent his life in the theatre, I adored his work. Thank you for this
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