Renowned British actor John Hurt, whose career spanned six decades and included such films as "Alien," "The Elephant Man" and "V for Vendetta," passed away Friday at age 77. He revealed in 2015 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Born in 1940, Hurt launched his film career in 1962 with the romance drama "The Wild and the Willing," and continued with a series of television and movie roles that included breakout performances in 1971's "10 Rillington Place" and "Midnight Express." Over the decades he built a steady resume of standout genre roles, including a turn in 1979's "Alien" as Kane, whose death remains among the most memorable depicted on screen.

Hurt lent his voice to "Watership Down, Ralph Bakshi's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Black Cauldron," and appeared in such films as "Spaceballs," "Hellboy" and its sequel, "V for Vendetta," the "Harry Potter" franchise and "Snowpiercer." He also played The War Doctor in 2013 on three episodes of "Doctor Who."

Over his lengthy career, Hurt received numerous accolades, including an Oscar nominations for his performances in "Midnight Express" and "The Elephant Man."

Upcoming projects from the actor include "That Good Night, "Damascus Cover," "My Name is Lenny" and "Darkest Hour." Hurt's survivors include his fourth wife Anwen Rees-Myers and sons Alexander and Nicholas.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)