Following the news that British actor Alan Rickman passed away Thursday from cancer at the age of 69, various celebrities expressed their grief and paid tribute to him.
One of Rickman’s most famous roles was as Professor Severus Snape for all eight films of the Harry Potter franchise. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling tweeted about the news:
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
Daniel Radcliffe posted a touching tribute to Rickman on his Google+ page and discussed working with him on the Harry Potter set:
Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I’m pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn’t have to do that. I know other people who’ve been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say “if you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day”.
People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner(or downright scary) characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass.
As an actor 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. Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man.
Emma Thompson, who was a frequent co-star of his, having appeared alongside him in the Harry Potter films, Love Actually, Sense & Sensibility, Judas Kiss, and The Song of Lunch, released a statement:
Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye,” Thompson said in statement. “What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humor, 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.
Emma Watson posted on Facebook:
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
James and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in Harry Potter, also tweeted:
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
Bonnie Wright and Matthew Lewis, who portrayed Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films respectively, shared photos on Instagram:
A photo posted by Matthew Lewis (@realmattdavelewis) on
Kate Winslet, who worked with Rickman in Sense and Sensibility and A Little Chaos, said:
We are all so devastated to lose Alan. He was loved enormously by so many. He was an exceptionally warm and giving man and an utterly phenomenal actor and gifted director. I remember being so intimidated by him when we worked together when I was 19 , because he had such a powerful and commanding presence . And that voice! Oh, that voice….. But the reality of course, was that he was the kindest and best of men. Had the patience of a saint. He was a warm hearted puppy dog, who would do anything for anyone if it made them happy. He was a loving and devoted partner to Rima, and like so many of us in our vast industry, my life was enriched by knowing him. My heart goes out to his family and those he loved.
Sigourney Weaver, who starred alongside him in Galaxy Quest and Snow Cake, released this statement:
Alan’s enormous strength of character infused every role he played. Who else could have brought such pain and wit to Severus Snape? He used his talent always to make a difference, his production My Name Is Rachel Corrie being one of the most powerful examples.
A slew of various celebrities reacted to the news on Twitter:
ALAN RICKMAN (1946-2016) There is so much that is matchless to remember about Alan Rickman. pic.twitter.com/x6cRB4VIIS
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) January 14, 2016
I can’t believe #AlanRickman is gone. Not a fan of this week. RIP
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) 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
Very sad that Alan has passed.
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) 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
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
Completely lost for words. #AlanRickman #legend #RIP
— Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) January 14, 2016
Woke up in Palo Alto w/ news of Alan Rickman’s death .Loved him. First David Bowie and now Alan Rickman. Very sad week. RIP.
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) January 14, 2016
Oscar noms out. Couldn’t care as Alan Rickman is gone & could have done every job on those movies as well, women included. Stunning talent.
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) January 14, 2016
Sad to learn of the passing of Alan. Snape was a deliciously acted character that I loved to hate. #bygraptharshammer
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) January 14, 2016
Ahh man no more sudden losses of beloved Brit artists, I can only handle so much 😫. Alan Rickman, you were THE MAN. What a great career! RIP
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) January 14, 2016
Rickman is survived by his wife, Rima Horton. His final film Alice Through the Looking Glass will be released in May.
