Professor Snape of the Harry Potter films, Alan Rickman died due to cancer at the age of 69. His family confirmed his death today as they witnessed the end of his long last battle against cancer.
An actor of phenomenal charisma, Rickman was born in 1946 in London. Performing in both modern and classical theatre productions at an early age as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he had his foot grounded in the world of drama and acting.
Known to have played the negative role, ‘Gruber’ was the first of three memorable baddies played by Rickman as he was an outrageous sheriff of Nottingham in 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. His performance as Hans Gruber in Die Hard too gained him a wider acclaim.
However, nothing could compare the appeal and love that his role in the Harry Potter films brought him. The words of J. K. Rowling which portray the expanse of imagination and fictional charcaterisation was brought to life with the deceiving and mysterious role of Rickman as ‘Professor Snape’. His negativity was highly contagious and brought the series alive amongst all Harry Potter lovers.
Believing and practicing that ‘Actors are agents of change’, the British legend was of the opinion that a film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference; it could change the world.
“If people want to know who I am, it is all in the work” –Alan Rickman. Respect and honour to the legendary man.
