‘Harry Potter’ Actor Alan Rickman Dies at 69
Alan Rickman passes away at the age of 69.
This week has unfortunately been a week of tragedy. After losing music icon David Bowie to cancer just a few days ago, “Harry Potter” Actor Alan Rickman lost the same battle at the same age. At 69 years old, Alan Rickman died of cancer on Thursday. Family and friends gathered by his side during his final moments as he battled the disease but unfortunately it was a battle he could fight no longer.
Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber in “Die Hard”
Today many would recognize him for his most visible role as Professor Snape in the “Harry Potter” films. Others may recognize him from “Love Actually” playing the role of Emma Thompson’s character’s husband Harry. But probably his most iconic role would be his first major film role as the villainous Hans Gruber in the action film “Die Hard” starring Bruce Willis.
In addition to those high profile films, he had a laundry list of other films that showcased his talents. He was a theatre trained actor that followed a more Shakespearean style of acting when honing his craft. Although he never won an Oscar, he did have quite a few awards to be proud of including a Golden Globe and an “Emmy” for “Rasputin” and a “BAFTA” for “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”
Alan Rickman believed that film had a social purpose outside of just entertainment. He believed that films could also be informative and educate people. The “Hollywood ending” of his film “Michael Collins” was something that Rickman was not fond of as it didn’t depict real life. As a historical biopic during the Irish Civil War, he felt that it, and many films like it, had a duty of presenting history as it pertains to reality. He saw himself as an artist and sought to provide value through his talents.
“Talent is an accident of genes, and a responsibility.”
But while he took his craft very seriously, he still found the time for humor in his roles and in his life. Gaining some laughs and cult status for his role in Galaxy Quest, he played a mockery of himself as a well trained actor who fell into the TV role of a “Star Trek,” Spock-like character.
He also poked fun at himself and his indistinguishable voice. While some might not have known his name, most would certainly recognize that voice. Even Benedict Cumberbatch showed his affinity for the actor by doing impressions of him on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” More recently Alan Rickman showed he was a good sport and jokingly confronted Jimmy when he was a guest on the show.
At the age of 69, the loss of a talent this great still seems too soon. He was charismatic in both his acting and life. He took his work both seriously and not so seriously, but he also believed that he had a purpose in life. Alan Rickman will surely be missed.
“Actors are agents of change.” “A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.”
This was first reported by The Guardian
I’ve always liked him. When he got dropped off the building for his last scene in Die Hard, and they were really dropping him with a harness, everyone on the set was a bit nervous because this was something typically a stunt man did, but for the shot they had to use Rickman. Rickman said to the director, “Think I should try to shoot him as I fall? I think that’s what the character would do.”
Now THAT is an actor.