We all know that the wand chooses the wizard. We all know that our lives can be full when we know we are loved. We all know that great men are forged in fire. We all know that none of us can chose our destiny.

We know these things thanks to John Hurt, a British actor, who died Friday, Jan. 27 at the age of 77 after a fight with cancer.

John Hurt was a versatile actor who starred in a variety of films and television shows paralleled by few others. He appeared in the film “Elephant Man” and the always popular Harry Potter films. His television career recently included BBC’s “Doctor Who” as the War Doctor and “Merlin” as the Great Dragon.

Hurt also appeared in the 1979 horror science-fiction film “Alien” and a film depiction of the novel “Crime and Punishment”. 

Hurt’s portrayal of the wandmaker Mr. Ollivander in the Harry Potter films perfectly captured the mysterious magic of the wand shop that J.K. Rowling described. 

A moment to remember the talented John Hurt. pic.twitter.com/nd7ulGPidB

— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 28, 2017

Hurt managed to capture the magic in every role he took both in front of the camera and behind it as an actor and director.

The death of stars can be difficult to wrap our minds around. It is easy to feel crushed, but it is just as easy to feel guilty about having those emotions because, after all, we never knew them. 

In situations like this it is important to know that great artist have impacted our own lives and helped us become who we are today. They forever make up a little part of our hearts. 

Mourning John Hurt’s passing is okay and important. After losing someone who shaped us through the entirety of our lives, we lose that little part of our heart.