We were greatly saddened by the news today that British actor Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the most beloved actors and theatre legends of the last 30 years, Rickman was known for his calm yet intimidating disposure in his film roles, and his deep, distinctive voice that was even rated as the most perfect human voice in a 2008 study. Having starred in over 65 films, Rickman was honoured with a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy and several BAFTAs throughout his career, yet remained modest, stating: “Parts win prizes, not actors”.

Rickman started his career as a stage actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he starred in several experimental theatre productions, eventually landing a role as Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, a 1978 TV adaptation by the BBC. His big theatre breakthrough came in 1985 as Vicomte de Valmont, the famous seducer in Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisions Dangereuses. Rickman excelled at playing the villain, soon gaining international acclaim by portraying Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988), the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and Rasputin in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996).

Alan Rickman

Attracting a whole new generation of fans over the last 15 years, Rickman starred as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, a character we all loved to hate but slowly came to love. Rickman was J.K. Rowling’s first choice to play the role and she actually revealed she envisioned him when writing the character. His roles in Galaxy Quest (1999), Love Actually (2003), Sweeney Todd (2007) and Alice in Wonderland (2010) reflect Rickman’s quirkier side, demonstrating his versatility. Like David Bowie, another iconic star we lost this week, Rickman died aged 69 after battling with cancer.