The Early Life and Career of John Hurt
John Hurt was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England in 1940. He attended St. Michael’s Preparatory School in Otford before moving on to St. Martin’s School of Art in London. He began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in various stage productions and television shows. His breakout role came in 1966 with his portrayal of Richard Rich in the film A Man for All Seasons. Throughout his career, Hurt became known for his ability to bring complex and nuanced characters to life on screen and stage.
John Hurt’s Family and Personal Life
John Hurt was married four times and had two children. His first marriage was to actress Annette Robertson in 1962, which lasted for just two years. He then married his second wife, Donna Peacock, in 1984, and they had two sons together, Alexander and Nicholas. Hurt was also married to Jo Dalton from 1990 to 1996 and then to Anwen Rees-Myers from 2005 until his death in 2017. Hurt was known for being a private person and rarely spoke about his personal life in interviews.
John Hurt’s Iconic Voice
One of the most distinctive aspects of John Hurt’s career was his voice. His deep, gravelly voice was instantly recognizable and lent a gravitas to many of the characters he played. He was often called upon to provide voiceover work for documentaries, commercials, and animated films. In 2013, he even lent his voice to a character in the popular video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II.
John Hurt’s Memorable Roles in Harry Potter and More
John Hurt appeared in over 200 films and television shows throughout his career, but he will perhaps be best remembered for his roles in iconic franchises like Harry Potter and Doctor Who. In the Harry Potter films, Hurt played the wandmaker Mr. Ollivander, a role he reprised in multiple films. He also appeared in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special as the War Doctor, a previously unknown incarnation of the Doctor who fought in the Time War.
John Hurt’s Legacy
John Hurt passed away in 2017 at the age of 77, but his legacy lives on through his work. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation and received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including four BAFTA Awards and a Golden Globe. His impact on the film industry and on the audiences who watched him perform will be felt for generations to come.
