Doctor Who Alum John Hurt Knighted at Windsor Castle
By David Hill
John Hurt has had a career that has spanned more than 50 years. In fact, his first role, when Hurt portrayed James Hogan in the television show Z Cars back in 1962, predates the beginnings of Doctor Who by one year. That sort of context certainly shows how long of a career Hurt has had.
Hurt, with two Oscar nominations and 12 acing awards, including a Golden Glove and four BAFTA awards, is also the most decorated actor to take on the mantle of the Doctor. As the War Doctor in the 50th Anniversary Special, Hurt helped bring the events at the end of the Last Great Time War to life, filling in the gaps and answering some of the questions that we had about that time between the appearances of the Eighth and Ninth Doctors. While there are still plenty more questions to be answered, we do know the broad details of what happened during that final battle.
Now, Hurt has received one more honor. In recognition of his illustrious career as an actor, Hurt was knighted at Windsor Castle. A true cinematic and television icon, whose career has spanned three generations, Hurt certainly deserved the honor.
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The knighthood was not the only bit of good news for John Hurt. Last month, he revealed that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a stark realization for those hoping that he would return to Doctor Who and reprise his role at some point. Fortunately, Hurt is doing well in his recovery, stating that he has not even lost any weight while undergoing chemotherapy.
"“It’s extraordinary, I haven’t lost weight or anything and I’m feeling good – it’s crazy. My oncologist is extremely optimistic, as indeed I am, so everything is going really well,” Hurt said."
A truly special actor, whose credits include appearances in Alien, Spaceballs, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and V for Vendetta, the news that Hurt is recovering is great to hear. It is especially impressive as Hurt did not stop working during this time, with five projects in post production and one more still filming.
Perhaps we can see John Hurt again on Doctor Who some day. But for now, we can all rejoice in the knowledge that he is doing well and received quite an honor with his knighthood.