'Harry Potter' star Alan Rickman dies at 69

He played the role of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series

British actor Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69 after suffering from cancer, his family said on Thursday.

Alan, who won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, was well-known for his portrayal of villains during his film career.



His portrayal of the character of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series is perhaps his most popular performance, but the talented actor has been in the industry since the last 30 years.

PHOTO: MAKEAGIF.COM

He was seen in Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sense and Sensibility, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (for which he won several awards), and was also a leading stage actor.

Fans were devastated at the tragic news, sharing their grief and shock on social media:

https://twitter.com/samm_share/status/687621644186193921

RIP Alan Rickman, a superb actor with a fabulous career, rest in peace. #AlanRickman #rip #british actor pic.twitter.com/2hi0t5NKmg

— MarcSPELMANN ‘X’ (@IamSPELMANN) January 14, 2016

https://twitter.com/EvanArocho/status/687621644093906949

(Another) sad news... RIP Alan Rickman :(

Farewell Professor Snape.. pic.twitter.com/qwy4jfFxET

— Nat (@natalixia) January 14, 2016

https://twitter.com/cpfcdazzler/status/687621643947106305

Not Alan Rickman it's so fucking unfair I'm devastated 😭😭😭😭😭

— Helene Williams (@HUGEFANROBBIE) January 14, 2016

RIP Alan Rickman, incredible man and actor.. Thoughts with his loved ones 💔

— N (@zmlthslpnhkr) January 14, 2016