On This Day

Birthday of John Hurt

January 22nd 1940

14:26 22 January 2024

English actor John Hurt was born on this day in 1940. Hurt made his film debut in 'The Wild and the Willing' (1962) before getting his breakthrough role as Richard Rich in 'A Man for All Seasons' (1966). For his portrayal of Timothy Evans in '10 Rillington Place' (1971) he received his first BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. After winning acclaim and further accolades on British television in 'The Naked Civil Servant' (1975) and 'I Claudius' (1976) he rose to international prominence with his role in Alan Parker's 'Midnight Express' (1978) for which he won the Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for Best Supporting Actor.

In Ridley Scott's 'Alien' (1979) Hurt appeared in one of the most memorable moments in cinema history as astronaut Kane in the iconic chest-burster scene and received another Best Supporting Actor BAFTA nomination. A third BAFTA award, along with Oscar and Golden Globe nominations came for his portrayal of John Merrick in David Lynch's 'The Elephant Man' (1980).

Other major film credits include 'Heavens Gate' (1980), 'Champions' (1984). 'The Hit' (1984), 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' (1984), 'Scandal' (1989), 'The Field' (1990), 'Rob Roy' (1995), 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (2001), 'Hellboy' (2004), 'V for Vendetta' (2006), ‘44 Inch Chest’ (2009), ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ (2011), ‘Snowpiercer’ (2013) and ‘That Good Night’ (2017).

After a career that spanned more than five decades, John Hurt passed away at his home in Norfolk in January 2017, three days after his 77th birthday. He remains one of our most loved and respected actors.