Esteemed British actor Alan Rickman has passed away at age 69, after a battle with cancer.
His family released the following statement: “The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.”
Born in London, the talented thespian began his career on the stage, but went on to become known for his roles in movies like Harry Potter, Die Hard, Love Actually, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and many more.
Alan Rickman’s signature in Hollywood became his deep voice and soulful acting, particularly in more villainous and menacing roles.
However, he also had a gentler side when it came to acting, as seen in movies like Sense and Sensibility and Truly, Madly, Deeply.
Actress Emma Thompson had a particularly close working relationship with him, appearing alongside him in the previously mentioned S&S (for which Thompson wrote the script), Love Actually, The Song of Lunch, and The Winter Guest, which was Rickman’s directorial debut.
Thompson released the following statement, following the news of his death:
“Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye. What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. The intransigence which made him the great artist he was – his ineffable and cynical wit, the clarity with which he saw most things, including me, and the fact that he never spared me the view. I learned a lot from him. He was the finest of actors and directors. I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do with his face next. I consider myself hugely privileged to have worked with him so many times and to have been directed by him. He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely. He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again.”
Several other fellow actors and directors have spoken, adding their condolences and memories of Rickman.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling tweeted the following:
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
Alan Rickman was a memorable and impacting actor for generations across the board. His loss will be deeply felt everywhere, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
