The Professor Retires: RIP, Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman, the much-loved star of stage, TV and films including Harry Potter and Die Hard, has died.

Video filmed and edited by Yan Li and Punya Bhargava

Alan Rickman, one of the best and most admired British actors, died on the 14th of January in London, at age 69. His death was confirmed by his family who said that he died “surrounded by family and friends.” Rickman had been suffering from cancer.

With his role in the Harry Potter films as Professor Snape, this actor found a legion of fans; the cast and crew of those movies were among the first to pay tribute to the actor. Daniel Radcliffe wrote that Rickman was “one of the greatest actors I will ever work with” as well as “one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry.”

Radcliffe was not the only one to dedicate some words to the actor. JK Rowling said, “There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death. He was a magnificent actor and a wonderful man.” Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore, said, “Everybody loved Alan. He was always happy and fun and creative and very, very funny.”

Rickman has participated in many wonderful movies such as:

• 1978: Romeo and Juliet
• 1988: Die Hard
• 1991: Robin Hood
• 2007: Sweeney Todd
• 2001-2011: Harry Potter
• 2016: Alice, Through the Looking Glass

His final job was taping a voiceover for a short film called This Tortoise Could Save a Life, to raise funds for the Save the Children and Refugee Council. Released in mid December 2015, the film’s audio was recorded at his home in London at the end of November.

The acting world and fans have paid tribute to Alan Rickman, who will be remembered for his villainous roles, his humor and for being a great actor. He will be missed, not least of all by the students and staff of AISG.