Alan Rickman: 1946–2016
Beloved British actor Alan Rickman, noted for roles such as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise and Hans Gruber in Die Hard, passed away early on the morning of 14th January after a battle with cancer.
It may be hard to understand how such a prolific and present actor like Alan Rickman only made his film debut past the age of forty. But the world was only introduced to his stellar acting capabilities when he took on the role of German villain Hans Gruber in the 1988 action classic Die Hard.
Before taking Hollywood by storm and being credited with more than sixty roles, Rickman acted in various BBC TV series as well as on the stage, earning a Tony Award nomination while part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in their production of Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons).
But even stage acting only came to Rickman at a late age.
Alan Rickman growing up
He had grown up in the borough of Acton in western London and excelled at the arts while attending Derwentwater Junior School. He later attended Latymer Upper School on a scholarship where he developed an interest in acting. He worked as a graphic designer after graduating at the Royal College of Art, but left in order to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
He had originally wanted to avoid attempting a career in acting and attending acting school, because “Drama school wasn’t considered the sensible thing to do at 18.”
A young Rickman playing the role of Tybalt in a production of Romeo and Juliet. Photo courtesy of Fanpop.
But it was across the Atlantic that lay Rickman’s true calling as an actor.
Die Hard has been viewed as one of the greatest action movies of all time since its release in 1988, in large thanks to Rickman’s stellar performance as German Villain Hans Gruber.
The 90s would see Rickman take on other notable roles, most notably in the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, but also in Sense and Sensibility, Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny, among many others. The next decade saw him take on major roles in films like Love Actually, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and The Butler. He is most recognized for beginning his tenure as Professor Severus Snape during this period.
Rickman as Hans Gruber. Photo courtesy of Multitude of Movies.
Rickman played the seemingly villainous Snape with class and perfection. However, he would always state, “I don’t play villains, I just play interesting people.” Rickman would appear in all Harry Potter films, beginning with The Philosopher’s Stone in 2001 up until 2011’s Deathly Hallows Part 2.
Rickman was quite the prankster on set, pulling off elaborate bits on co-stars, especially during the Harry Potter films. Co-stars from that series like Daniel Radcliffe as well as author J.K Rolling have since expressed there sorrow over his death via twitter.
Rickman during a take in one of the Harry Potter films. Photo courtesy of Fanpop.
Rickman’s final on-screen appearance will be in the upcoming fantasy film Alice Through the Looking Glass. The film is currently in post production and is scheduled to be released on 27th March 2016. Rickman plays the role of the Caterpillar.
Rickman’s passing comes during a tumultuous week that has also seen the passing of legendary singer David Bowie, also from cancer. Although Rickman was known to have certain health problems over recent years, his passing has come as quite a shock to many. Then again, if there is one actor who can keep a secret well hidden, it is Rickman. In 2015, he revealed that he had been married to longtime partner Rima Horton for three years.
Even though the shock of his loss is still felt, many fans will most likely be spending the weekend embracing his contributions to film and re-watching his old movies. From humble beginnings to being the face of movie villains, Alan Rickman will be remembered for his kind disposition, warm heart, and phenomenal acting talent.
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Originally published at typewriterintl.com on January 19, 2016.
