Harry Potter Star Alan Rickman Dies Of Cancer At Age 69
Renowned British Actor Alan Rickman died Thursday morning at 69 years old after a short battle with cancer. Rickman portrayed the character of Professor Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" movie franchise. He was the potions master at the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Rickman was reportedly unaware of the severity of his illness until recent weeks, the Telegraph noted.
Several artists sent out their messages for Rickman through social media sites. J.K. Rowling, the author behind the famous "Harry Potter" tomes, shared on Twitter how she felt devastated and shocked upon hearing of Alan Rickman's death.
"My thoughts are with [Rickman's wife] Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts," wrote Rowling.
Daniel Radcliffe posted a lengthy message on Google+ for Rickman, which he described as "one of the greatest actors" he ever work with.
"Working with him at such a formative age was incredibly important, and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career," Radcliffe said.
Another colleague, Sir Michael Gambon, who appeared with Rickman in "Harry Potter" as Professor Albus Dumbledore, described Rickman as "a great friend" who was loved by everybody because of his intelligence and happy and creative character.
"So he was a real man of the theater and the stage, and that's how I think of Alan," Gambon shared.
Rickman also starred in the romantic comedy "Love Actually" and directed "A Little Chaos," where he worked with actress Kate Winslet, the BBC News reported Thursday.
Alan Rickman was born to a working-class family in West London in 1946. He studied graphic designing in college and took part in one of England's oldest acting schools, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at the age of 25. He also worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1978.
BBC News stated that Rickman had married Rima Horton secretly last year after 50 years of being together.