Alan Rickman

RIP Alan Rickman: Actor & Director Known For Role As Snape In Harry Potter Has Died Aged 69

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English actor and director Alan Rickman has passed away from cancer at the age of 69. Known for his starring roles as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies, Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Love Actually, Rickman has made a huge impact on cinema that has seen him win numerous awards including a Golden Globe, BAFTA and People’s Choice Award.

A short statement last night from family confirmed the sad news, reading:

“The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends”

Rickman enjoyed keeping his private life out of the spotlight, and his battle with cancer was largely unknown. He also revealed in an interview last year that he had secretly married his long-term partner Rima Horton in 2012 and managed to keep it under wraps.

Cast and crew of Harry Potter including J.K Rowling,  Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe have taken to social media to pay tribute to their friend and colleague. In a heartfelt message, Radcliffe spoke of Rickman’s support, saying:

“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

Here’s how the internet has reacted to the sad news of Rickman’s passing:

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