The much loved British actor sadly died surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer.
He was famous for roles in films such as Die Hard and Robin Hood, and he gained legions of fans for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling who worked with Alan Rickman during the making of the films, paid tribute to him on twitter, writing “He was a magnificent actor and 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
My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, called Rickman “undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with” as he also paid tribute to his co-star.
He added: “People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner (or downright scary) characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass.”
The 26-year-old recalled how supportive of his career Rickman had remained, even after they stopped being co-stars.
“He is also one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I’m pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn’t have to do that.
“I know other people who’ve been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say, ‘If you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day’,” he wrote in a social media post.
https://plus.google.com/+DanielRadcliffe/posts/SG1NZZvTKRt
The two played opposite each other in the eight film adaptations of JK Rowling’s books, with Radcliffe cast in the role as The Boy Who Lived, at the age of 11, and he wrote his appreciation that Rickman treated him as an actor, not a child, on set.
“As an actor he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child. Working with him at such a formative age was incredibly important and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career.”
He concluded: “Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man.”
Other friends, colleagues and fans are saddened by the tragic news, and have taken to social media to pay their respects.
So sad to hear of the news about Alan Rickman, a very fine actor and a lovely gentleman. My heart goes out to his family.
— Graham McTavish (@grahammctavish) January 14, 2016
Devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. I had the pleasure of working with him on my first movie. A true legend and gentleman.
— Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) January 14, 2016
I do not want my heroes to die!
Alan Rickman is dead & he was another hero. Alan – thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 14, 2016
Heartbreaking news about lovely Alan. Nobody else could be as hilarious, tragic, terrifying & truthful all at the same time#RIPAlanRickman
— Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) January 14, 2016
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