John Hurt knighted by queen

LONDON — Oscar-nominated British actor John Hurt received an award almost as good Friday: He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Hurt, who can now call himself Sir John Hurt, received the coveted honor for services to drama in his 40-year career.

The queen recognized the 75-year-old actor, best known in America for his roles in The Elephant Man and Midnight Express, during one of her weekly honors ceremonies, at Windsor Castle.

Hurt's more recent roles include playing wand maker Garrick Ollivander in the Harry Potter films, as well as playing the War Doctor in a special 50th anniversary episode of the long-running British sci-fi/fantasy series, Doctor Who.

Hurt, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, said his only regret was that his parents were not alive to watch him collect the honor. He posed with his fourth wife, Anwen Rees-Myers, for photographers outside the 945-year-old castle.

He wore a rakish fedora on his head, covering his thinning hair from cancer treatment.

"It does make one inordinately proud," he said of the honor. He added that he's "feeling good" half-way through his chemotherapy.

Hurt tweeted congratulations to all of those receiving honors Friday at the Castle.