Words just don't describe the impact this actor across the pond had on me since a youngster. Saw him firstly as a teenager at the movies watching an obscure film at the time circa 1979 called "Alien"....
Let it suffice to note that he left an impression early on in my life
From "I,Claudius", the PBS series circa 1975 to more recently both Hellboy installments, this actor delivered.
One of my fondest performances was his voice of Aragorn Son of Arathorn in Ralph Bakshi's animated " Lord of the Rings " movie.
He also leant his voice in Richard Adams "Watership Down" (also an animated film) as one of the main rabbit characters.
He sported a minimum of 36 death scenes throughout his career. He joked about death at times. His wife mentioned this past year that he was being optimistic about joining other free wheeling molecules after giving up his mortal coil.
His Role in "Contact" comes to mind as I type ............A swan song performance in my opinion though much earlier in his life ......
He had just completed two films this past year that are yet to be released.
Also planned on acting with Ben Kingsley in a film called "Broken Dream" directed by Neil Jordan had not his illness intervened ....

My heart goes out to his sons, immediate family, and dearest friends....

Thank you for all you gave us Mr. Hurt....... you will be missed sir ....... Gra Go Deo ........