John Hurt took to his website on Tuesday to announce that he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The actor, who is best known for roles in V For Vendetta (Trevor “Broom” Bruttenholm), Alien (Kane), Harry Potter (Mr. Ollivander), and his Oscar-nominated lead role in The Elephant Man (John Merrick), shared the news via a quick blog post.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

Hurt, who’s now 75 years old, says he still plans to continue working professionally. “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 Radio 4.”

To today’s younger moviegoing audiences, one of Hurt’s more memorable roles was as the wand maker Mr. Ollivander, who helped Harry Potter select his wand in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. He later appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Harry needed assistance with the Elder Wand.

Hurt also appeared as the War Doctor during Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary “Day of the Doctor” episode.

We wish Hurt the absolute best.