John Hurt has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
The British actor, best known for playing Mr Ollivander in three of the Harry Potter films, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
John was well known to Irish audiences as he starred as Bird O’Donnell in John B Keane’s The Field, alongside Richard Harris, and lived in Ireland for about 12 years.
The star was also twice nominated for an Oscar, in the best supporting actor category for his performance in Midnight Express (1978), and for his role in Elephant Man two years later.
The actor also received a total of four BAFTAs in his lifetime, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.
John’s final role was in the biopic Jackie, in which he starred alongside Natalie Portman.
News of his death was confirmed to the British press agency PA by his agent Charles McDonald this morning, and many fans, friends and colleagues have since taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the star:
So very sad to hear that the immensely talented and deeply beloved John Hurt has died. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 28, 2017
The crumpled grandeur of John Hurt was always a joy to behold. That voice, those eyes – an almost painful sensitivity. So many wonders. RIP.
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) January 28, 2017
John Hurt was one of the most powerful, giving, and effortlessly real actors I’ve ever worked with. Remarkable human being. U will be missed
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) January 28, 2017
What sad news to wake up to… John Hurt was one of the greats! RIP sir.
— Sam Clemmett (@sam_clemmett) January 28, 2017
Sir John Hurt showed us that your career can be diverse as the characters you play. So many wonderful performances.
John Barrowman MBE pic.twitter.com/uOLSPEa51k— John Barrowman MBE (@Team_Barrowman) January 28, 2017
R.I.P to the amazing John Hurt. I said ‘The Naked Civil Servant changed my life’ He replied in the voice of Quentin Crisp ‘mine too! #genius
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 28, 2017
“We are all racing towards death. What can you do, except do what you can do as best you know how?” – RIP John Hurt. pic.twitter.com/kfGYgSHGsJ
— Morgan Jeffery (@morganjeffery) January 28, 2017
Every actor looked up to you. RIP John Hurt.
— Peter Serafinowicz (@serafinowicz) January 28, 2017
I loved John Hurt. I worked with him many times. A generous, funny and intelligent man.Brilliant actor. Great storyteller. Going to miss him
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt pic.twitter.com/yRNvrox6Za
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) January 28, 2017
And on a much sadder note we raise our wands to the glorious John Hurt who has passed away. RIP pic.twitter.com/XOdos2vm1v
— Fantastic Beasts (@FBAWTFTfilms) January 28, 2017