It has been reported that the esteemed veteran actor, Sir John Hurt, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The 75 year old has enjoyed a rich career on film and television, appearing in several acclaimed movies including Alien, Harry Potter, Hellboy and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He was also Oscar nominated for his portrayal of John Merrick in the 1980 biopic, The Elephant Man.
Despite his diagnosis – which is said to be in it’s early stages – the actor has said that he will “continue to focus on his professional commitments.”
“I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team,” he told the Press Association.
Around 8,800 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, making it the 11th most common form of the disease. Hurt, meanwhile, is set to appear in David Yates’ upcoming 2016 adaptation of Tarzan, alongside Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz and Samuel L Jackson.
Watch one of Hurt’s latest performances, as The War Doctor in the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, below.
