LONDON (AP) — Veteran British actor John Hurt has said that his cancer treatment is going "terrifically well" and he is optimistic.

The 75-year-old actor said in June that he had been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.

In an interview with the Radio Times published Monday, Hurt said: "I can't say I worry about mortality, but it's impossible to get to my age and not have a little contemplation of it."

"We're all just passing time, and occupy our chair very briefly. But my treatment is going terrifically well, so I'm optimistic," he added.

Hurt was recently knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his distinguished career. He was nominated for an Oscar for "The Elephant Man," and starred in movies including the "Harry Potter" franchise, "Alien," ''V for Vendetta" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."

Hurt is filming the new "Tarzan" film with Samuel L. Jackson and Margot Robbie.