Entertainment

​Queen Elizabeth II awards actor John Hurt knighthood

/ CBS/AP

Queen Elizabeth II has awarded actor John Hurt a knighthood for services to drama in his 40-year career.

The queen recognized the 75-year-old actor, who has received two Oscar nominations for his roles in "The Elephant Man" and "Midnight Express."

Hurt's other roles included 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 "Doctor Who" television series. He also starred in "Alien," "V for Vendetta," "Hellboy" and "Snowpiercer."

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 at Windsor Castle Friday.

"It does make one inordinately proud," he said.

First published on July 17, 2015 / 12:27 PM EDT

© 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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