Alan Rickman dead: British actor and theatre legend has died aged 69
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alan Rickman, the celebrated British film and stage actor best known for roles in Harry Potter, Robin Hood and Die Hard, has died aged 69 after suffering from cancer.
Rickman passed away in London with his family by his side. His family said in a statement: “The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.”
Rickman was born in Acton, west London, in 1946. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career on stage after graduating, appearing in productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Known for his gravelly voice and dominating presence on screen, he also had memorable roles in films such as Love Actually and a Bafta award-winning turn as the Sheriff in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. His breakout role arrived in the form of the scheming Vicomte de Valmont in an acclaimed 1985 RSC production of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses", but he was not propelled to international fame until he landed the part of Bruce Willis’ arch enemy Hans Gruber in Die Hard, aged 41.
Rickman was honoured with a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for his leading role in 1995 film Rasputin. He was unfazed about never winning an Academy Award, telling a US network in 2008: “Parts win prizes, not actors.”
Read Alan Rickman's goodbye letter to Snape and Harry Potter fans
Rickman appeared in all of the Harry Potter films as potions director Severus Snape, a villain who eventually redeems himself. JK Rowling said there were no words to describe her devastation at losing such a "magnificent and wonderful man".
Stephen Fry led an outpouring of tributes to Rickman from his friends, fellow actors and legion of fans. “What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman,” he wrote on Twitter. “A man of such talent, wicked charm and stunning screen and stage presence. He'll be sorely missed.”
Harry Potter actor James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley, said Rickman was “one of the nicest actors I've ever met”.
The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn praised Rickman as “one of the greatest actors of his generation”. “My thoughts are with his family and friends,” he wrote.
His death comes just days after the passing of iconic singer and artist David Bowie, who also died aged 69 from cancer. The comedian Eddie Izzard said he had lost another hero, writing: “I do not want my heroes to die! Alan Rickman is dead and he was another hero. Alan - thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go.”
He wed his partner of 50 years, economics lecturer and Labour councillor Rima Horton, in a quiet ceremony in 2012. He had no children.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments