The world woke up to the news that cancer has taken another one of our favorite English stars (first Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and just last weekend, David Bowie). Actor Alan Rickman died this morning at age 69, leaving behind him a long list of beloved roles that include Professor Snape, Sheriff George of Nottingham, Colonel Brandon and Hans Gruber. Having had one of the most iconic voices in the film industry, Rickman stood out in every project he was a part of, playing each role with an incredible level of dignity and grace. Once the news hit, people all over the world have been raising their wands with touching tributes and memories.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling kicked off the sentiments this morning on Twitter, expressing her shock and devastation over the news, adding that Rickman was a “magnificent actor & a wonderful man.”
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
In statements made to BBC, actress Emma Thompson (who worked with him in Love Actually and The Winter Guest) says that he was “the finest of actors and directors" and "the ultimate ally.” Adding, “Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye. What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, 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, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again."
Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, took to Google Plus to express his sorrow:
Over the years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to watch other performers show off their idolation for Rickman by trying to perfect the actor's unique voice, with Tom Hiddleston, Steve Coogan and Benedict Cumberbatch being some of the best. Check out the great video below where Rickman confronts Jimmy Fallon for the Alan Rickman-off impersonation challenge the host did with Cumberbatch, inhaling helium and delivering some fantastic lines that prove he was truly the best.
So sad to hear the news of Alan Rickman. A wonderful actor and lovely man. Tragic news.
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) 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
Farewell my friend.Your kindness & generosity ever since we met in LA in 1987 & ever since is incalculable.XX pic.twitter.com/BCUkCxMFj5
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) January 14, 2016
Oh no. Alan Rickman was not only an amazing, forensically good actor, but a lovely, genuine man to know. A week where Giants leave us.
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) January 14, 2016
