Actor Alan Rickman has died of cancer at age 69. The actor was best known for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise, a character he loved dearly. The Independent reports Rickman always spoke fondly of Snape, giving the following quote during an interview:
“When I'm 80 years old and sitting in my rocking chair, I'll be reading Harry Potter. And my family will say to me, 'After all this time?' And I will say, 'Always.’”
Fans of Rickman’s work have flocked to Twitter to express their condolences. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling also took to Twitter to share her thoughts with fans during such a sad day for book and movie lovers alike.
“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,” Rowling wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Rickman was also known for his roles in Dogma, Love Actually, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Die Hard. The news of Rickman’s death comes days after singer and actor David Bowie died of cancer as well at 69 years old. R.I.P Alan Rickman. You’ll be missed.
We have lost three of the most talented men to cancer RIP Lemmy David bowie and now Alan Rickman #fuckcancer
— belinda (belle) (@bluebelle1969) January 14, 2016
Goodbye Alan Rickman. You were genius in Harry Potter.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 14, 2016
So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. Honoured to have shared the screen with him. #Marvin #Snape He'll be sorely missed.
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) January 14, 2016
Dreadful to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. A wonderful actor and friend. What a sad day.
— Richard Madden (@_richardmadden) January 14, 2016
Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016
First David Bowie now Alan Rickman. What a sad way to start 2016. Cheers to both gentlemen who made my childhood awesome! Rest in peace.
— Alvin Angelo (@Arkigelo_) January 14, 2016