Hollywood veteran Alan Rickman, known for iconic roles like Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movie franchise, has died after battling cancer. He was 69. According to multiple media outlets, the death of the British actor was confirmed by Rickman's family on Thursday (Jan. 14). Celebrities immediately reacted to the news, including J.K. Rowling, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
The actor and director was surrounded by close family and friends at the time, according to a recent BBC report. Rickman, who's illustrious career involved work on both stage and screen, was survived by his wife Rima Horton. The two exchanged vows in a secret ceremony in 2012, after a 40-year romance.
Rickman has been featured in over 60 films, earning himself a list of accolades and acknowledgement from various academies and fellow actors. Some of his awards include a Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny, as well as, a MTV Movie Award and a People's Choice Award for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
Before making it big, Rickman attended Chelsea College of Art and Design and later the Royal College of Art in London, where he furthered his education in the study of graphic design. After working in the field, Rickman decided to take a leap of faith and pursue his deep rooted passion for acting. He was awarded a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was a member of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company.
When news of his death broke, many celebrities spoke out on the memories they shared with Rickman and offering their condolences. Some members of his former Harrry Potter team took to social media and other public outlets to express their gratitude.
Creator of the series, Rowling, addressed her devastation of Rickman's death through her personal Twitter account. Watson, the 25-year-old actress who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, paid tribute on her personal Facebook account.
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
"I'm very sad to hear about Alan today," Watson wrote on Facebok. "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."
Radcliffe, the 26-year-old actor who played the titular role of Harry Potter in the series, wrote a lengthy note on his Google Plus account. He described fond memories of working with Rickman, as well as, pointing out some of his best characteristics. Radcliffe admitted Rickman was nothing like his Snape character, instead, Radcliffe says he was a sincere man with a big heart.
"Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with," Radcliffe wrote on Google Plus. "He is also, one of the loyalest and most supportive people I've ever met in the film industry. Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass."
Alan Rickman's final body of work will include the forthcoming film, Alice Through the Looking Glass, where he voiced Absolem the caterpillar. Alice Through the Looking Glass is expected to hit theaters on May 27, 2016.
