John Vincent Hurt was born on January 22, 1940, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. He was the youngest of three children born to Phyllis and Arnould Hurt, who worked as a mathematician and engineer, respectively.
Growing up, Hurt attended St. Michael’s Preparatory School in Otford and then went on to study at Lincoln School, a boarding school in Lincoln. Fascinated by acting from a young age, Hurt joined the drama club and appeared in school productions. He further pursued his passion by attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Hurt began his professional acting career in 1961 on stage, quickly establishing himself as a talented and versatile performer. His breakthrough came in 1966 when he portrayed the deformed and tormented Richard Rich in Robert Bolt’s play “A Man for All Seasons.” This role earned him the Clarence Derwent Award for Outstanding Newcomer.
In 1970, Hurt made his film debut in “The Wild and the Willing,” but it was his portrayal of Richard Rich in the 1966 film adaptation of “A Man for All Seasons” that garnered critical acclaim. From there, Hurt went on to deliver remarkable performances in a wide array of roles, showcasing his ability to effectively portray complex and conflicted characters.
One of his most iconic roles came in 1975 when he played the title character in “The Naked Civil Servant,” a biographical drama about gay rights activist Quentin Crisp. The role would later earn him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor. He continued to receive critical acclaim throughout the 1970s and 1980s with standout performances in films such as “Midnight Express” (1978), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and “The Elephant Man” (1980), earning him another BAFTA Award for Best Actor.
Hurt’s talent and adaptability allowed him to seamlessly transition between film, television, and stage. He appeared in numerous successful films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “Alien” (1979), “V for Vendetta” (2006), and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (2001), where he played the wand-making Ollivander.
In addition to his film work, Hurt made several notable television appearances. He played the War Doctor in the 50th-anniversary special of the long-running series “Doctor Who” in 2013, which further solidified his status as a beloved actor.
Hurt received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He was nominated for two Academy Awards and won four BAFTA Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, he was knighted for his services to drama.
Throughout his life, Hurt maintained a passion for the arts and served as the Chancellor of the Norwich University of the Arts in England. He was also actively involved in charitable organizations, such as the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund and Amnesty International.
John Hurt passed away on January 25, 2017, at the age of 77 after battling pancreatic cancer. His impact on the film industry was profound, and he left behind a legacy of extraordinary performances and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of his craft. His ability to bring depth and humanity to his characters made him one of the most respected and revered actors of his generation. As a quote attributed to him reads, “Acting is not about being somebody different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.” John Hurt’s dedication and talent continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
