Celebrities including Stephen Fry, Elijah Wood, JK Rowling, Chris Evans and Jamie Bell pay tribute to Sir John Hurt after he dies aged 77

CELEBRITIES from the world of film, stage and television have taken to social media to express their sadness over the news of Sir John Hurt’s death.

The acting legend – whose career spanned an impressive six decades – passed away on Friday aged 77.

Sir John has many iconic roles – appearing in Oscar nominated The Elephant Man in 1980, making nerves explode in iconic space horror Alien in 1979, and warming hearts as kindly wandmaker Ollivander in the Harry Potter film series in the 2000s.

Stephen Fry took to Twitter to express his sadness, writing: “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.”

Fellow actor Mel Brooks singled out The Elephant Man as Hurt’s defining moment, writing: “He carried that film into cinematic immortality.”

JK Rowling described Sir John as “immensely talented” and “deeply beloved” and wrote: “My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Jamie Bell – who starred alongside Sir John in the acclaimed 2013 sci-fi Snowpiercer, wrote: “I will forever cherish the memories I have of the incomparable John Hurt. A brilliant actor & a beautiful soul.”

While fellow Snowpiercer star - and Captain America hero - Chris Evans tweeted: "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"

Richard E Grant shared a photograph of himself alongside the acting legend, writing: “So so sad to have lost such an extraordinary talent and friend.”

Others offering tributes included Elijah Wood who said it was “an honor” to watch the late actor’s work.

Actress Judith Light described him as “Magnificent majestic,” while Mia Farrow wrote he was “one of the finest actors of our time.”

Keifer Sutherlans, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jason Priestley and Sharon Stone all offered condolences, while Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal (who starred alongside Hurt in the espionage film The Limits of Control in 2009) described the actor as a “dear companion and friend” and said his life will continue through his art.

Sir John had previously been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, however it had gone into remission by October that year.

He had previously suffered intestinal problems.

Sir John’s most recent role is playing a priest in biographical film Jackie – covering life events of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and reunited Sir John with V for Vendetta co-star Natalie Portman.

Other remain roles yet to reach cinemas are playing Neville Chamberlain in Darkest Hour, a character called Ralph in a film titled That Good Night, and a further character called Leslie Salmon in My Name Is Lenny.

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