For the second time this week, cancer has ended the life of another of Britain’s most successful entertainers. Actor Alan Rickman, best known for his work in the Harry Potter series, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Die Hard, has sadly passed away at age 69.
According to the BBC, Rickman had been battling cancer and was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his passing. Rickman is survived by his wife, Rima Horton.
In most recent years, Rickman became widely recognizable for his role as the terrifying, but ultimately trustworthy Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series.
Romance fans will recognize Rickman from his roles in Truly Madly Deeply, Sense and Sensibility with Kate Winslet and Love Actually.
Comedy lovers got to enjoy Rickman on screen in Kevin Smith’s Dogma, where he played opposite Chris Rock, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Rickman’s accomplished career began in the theatre, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and then moving on to TV and film. Two of Rickman’s best known roles include villain Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Sheriff George in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, a role that won him a BAFTA award in his native UK.
Rickman’s most recently released film had him teaming up once more with his Sense and Sensibility co-star Kate Winslet in A Little Chaos. The film, which was also directed by Rickman, was released in late 2014. Rickman also has two films scheduled to be released later this year, including Eye In The Sky with Helen Mirren.
Often thought of as a serious actor for the characters he portrayed on film, Rickman also had a wonderful sense of humour. In one of his last appearances on late night TV in North American, Rickman hilariously confronted Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon about his ‘Rickman-off’ with Benedict Cumberbatch.
Fans and co-stars of the Golden Globe and BAFTA winning performer have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and share their happy memories of Rickman.
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. 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
Posted by Emma Watson on Thursday, January 14, 2016
One of my favorite people who ever lived has died. The legendary #AlanRickman played Metatron, the Voice of God, in my…
Posted by Kevin Smith on Thursday, January 14, 2016
What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 14, 2016
So sad to hear the news of Alan Rickman. A wonderful actor and lovely man. Tragic news.
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) January 14, 2016
Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016
Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) 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
David Bowie dead from cancer at 69.
Now Alan Rickman dead from cancer at 69.
Two great talents, one bloody awful disease.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 14, 2016
Goodbye Alan Rickman. You were genius in Harry Potter.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 14, 2016
We will continue updating this story.