It's official. Hurt was a fine, fine actor. Played Caligula in "I, Claudius" and obviously quite relished the role. Also was a Doctor (haven't seen that episode yet, must get around to it). I recall him playing the dancer Nijinsky in a biopic of the man, he didn't have to dance but was giving a monologue, I recall it being very sombre with him saying things like "I am not mad". He had a great voice.