Alan Rickman, one of the best-loved British actors, has died in London overnight aged 69. Rickman had been suffering from cancer, but passed away “surrounded by family and friends”.
The legend of stage and screen had enjoyed a career spanning over thirty years. He was best known for his recent roles in Harry Potter, Love Actually and countless major theatre productions.
Some of his earlier roles included the villain Hans Gruber in Die Hard, and as the surprisingly sentimental Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility.
Alan Rickman’s distinctive voice was often celebrated, by fans and fellow actors alike. Tributes have poured in from Emma Thompson (Love Actually), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Stephen Fry (The Hobbit) amongst others.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling wrote overnight, “there are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death. He was a magnificent actor and a wonderful man”.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved #AlanRickman who played #ProfessorSnape (1/2) pic.twitter.com/FrIadBBTGR
— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) January 14, 2016
Emma Thompson's moving tribute to her close friend #AlanRickman https://t.co/J4UmoZlhPJ pic.twitter.com/3MwsWCB7HB
— People Magazine (@people) January 14, 2016
An ode to #AlanRickman's Hans Gruber, possibly the greatest screen villain ever https://t.co/XJehqAuchc pic.twitter.com/4oKMTcVFJr
— People Magazine (@people) January 14, 2016
Honoring #AlanRickman: Spend your long weekend revisiting his greatest roles https://t.co/n73xjDPDJk pic.twitter.com/gRWUr8BkPU
— People Magazine (@people) January 14, 2016
In photos: The life of Alan Rickman https://t.co/99O1Ers3Jm pic.twitter.com/u0s0ZuOQuc
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 14, 2016
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