Many were saddened by the news that actor John Hurt had passed away on Friday night. Hurt had been featured in a variety of memorable roles across his 77 years, including Alien, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and The Elephant Man. Hurt earned an Oscar nomination for his role as John Merrick in The Elephant Man, his second after a supporting actor nomination for Midnight Express two years prior, and countless other awards for his work from around the globe.
His death came as a shock to many in the Hollywood sphere and they were quick to share praise and tribute to Hurt as soon as the news broke. One of the biggest names to share some thoughts on Hurt was Mel Brooks. The comedy director executive produced The Elephant Man through his Brooksfilm company and would then bring Hurt back to replicate his iconic Alien role for Spaceballs a few years later:
It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt's passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
No one could have played The Elephant Man more memorably. He carried that film into cinematic immortality. He will be sorely missed.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
Many others would join Brooks with similar words, especially those who worked with him on numerous films. It’s a wide variety of names too, including Chris Evans, Jason Priestley, and Stephen Fry. It just shows you the different type of work Hurt put in during his career and the names he worked with:
John was such a fine actor, one of the very best! My thoughts go out to his family. #RIPJohnhurt pic.twitter.com/Bwx9U2T9qh
— Malcolm McDowell (@McDowellMalc) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/vincentdonofrio/status/825169969876987908
My deepest sympathies to John Hurt's family, friends and fans. He was a dear friend.
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) January 28, 2017
John Hurt
Magnificent majestic
Such a loss
Hurting heart at the news— JudithLight (@JudithLight) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/825214594977107968
John Hurt, one of the finest actors of our time, and the loveliest person. This is terrible news. So, so sad.
— Mia Farrow 🏳️🌈 🌻🇺🇸☘️ (@MiaFarrow) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/StephenAtHome/status/825189229391130624
So so sad to have lost such an extraordinary talent and friend. Sir John Hurt. R. I. P. pic.twitter.com/J2eMMBVNLB
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/825185014845370368
Rest n Peace John Hurt, I had the honor to get to work with and know this wonderful man, and incredible actor. Your spirit will b missed.
— David Alan Grier AKA #LeonMusk (@davidalangrier) January 28, 2017
Very sad to hear of John Hurt's passing. It was such an honor to have watched you work, sir.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/OfficialMolina/status/825172455744380929
Sad re John Hurt. I was in a film with him and he was so mesmerising I kept forgetting to act and just watched him. A genius & a lovely man.
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/825154788262244352
We're hugely saddened to hear about the passing of John Hurt. Thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/O1moIDitvS
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/sharonstone/status/825166141651771392
Oh no. What terrible news. We've lost #JohnHurt as great on the stage, small screen and big. A great man & great friend of Norfolk & #NCFC
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 28, 2017
RIP my dear friend John Hurt. You were an awesome talent, an amazing co-star, and a better friend…you will be missed by all who knew you
— Jason Priestley (@Jason_Priestley) January 28, 2017
Rest in Peace to the actor genius #JohnHurt. Most folks know him from ALIEN but I loved him as Sir Richard Rich from A Man for All Seasons. pic.twitter.com/DvOoftaijH
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) January 28, 2017
John Hurt was always on my actors-I-wish-I-could-be-more-like list. And he will continue to always be. Wonderful work & a phenomenal career
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) January 28, 2017
So so sad to hear the news about #JohnHurt
An absurdly gifted, brilliant actor and a very funny beautiful man
RIP John x— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) January 28, 2017
I will forever cherish the memories I have of the incomparable John Hurt. A brilliant actor & a beautiful soul.
— Jamie Bell (@1jamiebell) January 28, 2017
RIP John Hurt "Archibald u speak! One must never underestimate the healing power of hatred!" Montrose in Rob Roy
— Axl Rose (@axlrose) January 28, 2017
And just to put a cap on the tributes, here’s a nice visual representation on how Hurt transformed over the years. It sticks to his more science fiction/fantasy roles, but it’s still a cool little picture. Not as cool as Axl Rose tweeting about how awesome you were in Rob Roy, but it’s still pretty cool.
If I could have been one actor, I'd have chosen John Hurt. #RipJohnHurt pic.twitter.com/NxNwHCKQxb
— Jacopo della Quercia (@Jacopo_della_Q) January 28, 2017
