London, June 17 (IANS): English actor John Hurt, known for the “Harry Potter” film franchise, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. But the illness won't stop him from working as he says he is "more than optimistic" about his future.

The 75-year-old, who has enjoyed a successful career with notable roles including Quentin Crisp in “The Naked Civil Servant”, the title role in “The Elephant Man” and a recurring role as Ollivander in the “Harry Potter” films, also shared that his medical team is also feeling optimistic about a positive outcome, reports www.mirror.co.uk.

"I have always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement. I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer. I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team,” he said in a statement.

The actor also said that he already knows what his next project is - to voice play “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” for BBC Radio 4.

He added: "I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording 'Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell' (one of life's small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4."