Sir John Hurt passed away on 25 January 2017 at the age of 77. Sir John was a much admired actor who won BAFTA awards and was nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role as John Merrick in The Elephant Man.
He also made a massive impact on the world of sci-fi and fantasy. Here are the roles that made him a household name for sci-fi fans.
Kane, Alien (1979)
Kane didn’t last long in the Alien, but he was involved in 2 scenes that set the movie on the road to greatness. He was the first to be attacked by a facehugger and of course was the best supporting actor in the infamous chestburster scene.
Winston Smith, 1984 (1984)
Ask people to name a book about a dystopian future and I bet 1984 comes top of the list. Hurt’s depiction of Winston Smith was sad and moving as the character was broken down by the state.
John Hurt, Spaceballs (1987)
The chestburster scene was much parodied so who better the Kane himself to get in on the action.
S.R Hadden, Contact (1997)
Mr. Ollivander, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Ollivander, the proprietor of the wand shop in Diagon Alley. Hurt reprised the role in latter movies in the Harry Potter series.
Trevor “Broom” Bruttenholm, Hellboy (2004)
Hellboy’s dad.
Adam Sutler, V for Vendetta (2005)
A strange symmetry as Hurt played the type of character that wouldn’t have been out of place terrorising the likes of Winston Smith in 1984.
Professor Oxley, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
The Dragon (voice), Merlin (2008-2012)
The resonant tones of Hurt’s voice were perfect for the wise old Dragon on the BBC’s Merlin.
Gillam, Snowpiercer (2013)
Another dystopian future.
The War Doctor, Dr. Who (2013)
Dr. Who. Say no more.
