People have been sharing their favourite memories of John Hurt’s superb performance in The Field

Paul Moore

A brilliant performance in a famous Irish film.

Following the sad news of John Hurt’s passing, various tributes have been paid to the iconic actor from those that knew him best. In a career that spanned almost six decades, Hurt was second to none in his ability to portray humanity, empathy and compassion.

His body of work is absolutely stellar with films like The Elephant Man, Midnight Express, Alien, 1984, 10 Rillington Place, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, V For Vendetta, Harry Potter and many more all being prominent.

For many Irish people though, Hurt’s performance as Bird’ O’Donnell alongside Richard Harris, Sean Bean and Brenda Fricker in Jim Sheridan’s The Field, is their absolute favourite of his.

A calf jobber by trade, Bird is a man who lives largely on his wits. As ‘Bull’ says, Bird is like a sparrow because he’s unable to sit still and is constantly on the lookout for any opportunity that might come his way.

John B. Keane’s play is quite serious with topics like the role of women, contraception, the church and local rivalry all prominent, but it also has a wonderful streak of dark humour. Nobody encapsulated this better than John Hurt.

Here are some people’s memories about a wonderful performance in a bona fide Irish classic.

The late John Hurt pictured in Leenane playing Bird, in The Field. 1940-2017 pic.twitter.com/aNBaswRKbj

— Declan Varley (@declanvarley) January 28, 2017

Saddened to hear about the passing of John Hurt. Loved him in The Field, greatest ever Irish film pic.twitter.com/j2eigWR59P

— Paul Gormley (@Gorm0) January 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/fireballRD/status/825254490580406272

RIP John Hurt. Played in some huge roles over the years but I'll remember him best for his role as Bird in 'The Field'.

— Shane Lydon (@lydon9) January 28, 2017

John Hurt in The Field is a masterclass. So sad he's gone.

— Rhymes With Calamari But Scottish (@mairibabb1) January 28, 2017

Me dad's favorite movie the field he'll be sad to hear about John Hurt he was such great actor #RIP

— Laura Maher (@lauramaher25) January 28, 2017

John Hurt …what a legend. Bird O'Donnell in John B Keane's The Field is surely one of his finest performances. #RIPJohnHurt

— Ballyshonog NZ (@BallyshonogNz) January 28, 2017

RIP John Hurt. Great actor and loved him on screen. One of the greats. He was great in the Field with Richard Harris

— John Mc Gowan (@johnfmcgowan) January 28, 2017