Famed Actor Alan Rickman Dies at 69

By Felissa Allard 2 min read

British stage and screen star, Alan Rickman, 69, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Rickman is probably best known for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” franchise and villain, Hans Gruber, in the “Die Hard” movies. Rickman had a knack for playing the scoundrel including the Sheriff of Nottingham in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991), Rasputin, and the Vicomte de Valmont in the play “Les Liaisons Dangereuses“ (1985).

Rickman began his career at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) where he studied Shakespeare. He then joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in such classics as “As You Like It.” Once his movie career took off, with his deep baritone voice and withering sneer, he often found himself cast as the antihero.

But it wasn’t all evil for Rickman. He also starred in such lighthearted and romantic fare as “Sense and Sensibility” (1995) and “Love Actually” (2003). Several famous faces took to Twitter to remember Rickman.

Alan Rickman you were a lovely soul and a brilliant actor. I am fortunate to have known you and will miss you with the world.

— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) January 14, 2016

Some actors you work with you will never forget. RIP The wonderful Alan Rickman xo pic.twitter.com/kIAVjA6HBY

— Kim Cattrall (@KimCattrall) January 14, 2016

https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/687647919307018240

There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

Rickman’s prolific career spanned almost 40 years and included a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a People’s Choice Award, a Primetime Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was also nominated for two Tony awards. He recently revealed that he and longtime love, Rima Horton, married secretly in 2012 after over 45 years together.