LONDON – The British actor best known for his role as Severus Snape in Harry Potter franchise passed away in London. His family confirmed his death.
The star won a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award in a career which began in the late 1970s.
The role led to a string of memorable screen performances in films like Truly Madly Deeply, Love Actually and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Galaxy Quest.
He also directed two feature films, the acclaimed Scottish drama The Winter Guest and 2015’s period romance A Little Chaos, as well as the award-winning play My Name is Rachel Corrie.
Rickman was a card-carrying member of the Labour party, and was very involved with several charities. He met his wife, Rima Horton, an economics lecturer and Labour party councilor, at the age of 19. They married almost fifty years later in 2012.
Mr. Rickman was born in London in 1946 and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before taking on some of Britain’s most prestigious stage roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as the manipulative Vicomte de Valmont in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.” In 2002, he starred in Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” which transferred to Broadway after a run in London’s West End.
News of his death brought in tributes from around the world.
Daniel Radcliffe, the star of the mega-popular series, posted a tribute to the actor on his Google Plus account.
“Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalist and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry,” Radcliffe wrote.
“As an actor he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child … Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man.”
Actress Emma Watson, who costarred in Harry Potter as Hermione Granger, wrote in a Facebook post on that she is “very sad” to learn the news of Rickman’s death.
“I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I’ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.”
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling tweeted about the actor’s death on Thursday.
“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.”
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
Actor James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter series, posted his own tribute to the actor.
Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I’ve ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016
Actor Stephen Fry, the British actor who narrated the Harry Potter series for audiobooks wrote on Twitter that the news was “desperately sad.”
What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He’ll be sorely missed
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 14, 2016
Coronation Street writer Jonathan said: “What sad sad news about Alan Rickman. Lovely man! Will treasure memories of the giggles I had with him and his beloved wife Rima rip.”
What sad sad news about Alan Rickman. Lovely man. Will treasure memories of the giggles I had with him and his beloved wife Rima #rip
— Jonathan Harvey (@JOJEHARVEY) January 14, 2016