Following his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Sir John Hurt recently revealed his oncologist is 'incredibly optimistic,’ which has similarly encouraged him to maintain a bright and positive mindset while battling such illness.
The 75-year-old actor was awarded by the Queen with a knighthood at Windsor Castle last Friday for his impressive career and stated that he is responding well to treatment.
According to the ‘Harry Potter’ actor, who portrayed Mr. Garrick Ollivander in the movies based on J.K. Rowling’s book series, he has been “feeling good” going through half a course of chemotherapy. He also said that he has carried on with his work.
Hurt - whose hair seemed to be thinner as a result of his cancer treatment – was knighted by the Queen for an exceptional career that has included a wide range of of compelling performances, including the title role in ‘The Elephant Man’ and the TV portrayal of Quentin Crisp in the biographical film ‘The Naked Civil Servant.’
During his knighting, Hurt was accompanied by his fourth wife Anwen Rees-Myers, with whom he exchanged vows in 2005. The actor also has two sons, 25-year-old Sasha and 22-year-old Nick.
The English actor, whose career has already spanned six decades, has reached out to a younger generation of fans, thanks to his roles in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series as well as the special 50th anniversary episode of ‘Doctor Who.’
Speaking after the Windsor Castle Investiture ceremony, Hurt said: 'I'm half-way through my chemotherapy and I've got a whole load of tests next week… I'm not feeling any of the side effects you're supposed to feel, or at least you can feel, as everybody's different I'm told.”
He also described the experienced to be “extraordinary,” pointing towards the brighter side of his story that he has not lost weight and that he is “feeling good.”
“My oncologist is extremely optimistic, as indeed I am, so everything is going really well,” Hurt shared.
The knighted actor revealed his diagnosis in an official statement released last month, saying that he is strongly optimistic about a positive outcome. He also announced his return to carry on with his professional commitments, and will be recording Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell for BBC Radio 4.
Hurt has already bagged Oscar nominations for his performances in ‘The Elephant Man’ and ‘Midnight Express.’
The actor will make his next appearance starring opposite Samantha Morton in the upcoming Sky Atlantic drama ‘The Last Panthers,’ a six-part crime drama that follows a diamond heist across Europe.
