I’ve started and erased the opening of this post three times now. Basically, nothing I can say will make this news better: Alan Rickman, gifted actor and he of the amazing voice, has died at 69.
Earlier this week, we grieved for the death of another legend, David Bowie, who—in a disturbing coincidence—was also 69 and also died due to cancer. I know it doesn’t need to be said, but … cancer’s a bitch, y’all.
Although I can’t recall where I first saw him, Alan Rickman is one of those actors who feels like they’ve been a constant in my life. Over the course of his career, he’s played some of the most iconic roles in some of my favorite movies. HIs villains were nuanced, his good guys flawed just enough to make them human. And that voice, OH that voice.
He played the infamous Hans Gruber in Die Hard. (Warning: NSFW for language.)
The nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The hilarious Alexander Dane/Dr. Lazarus in Galaxy Quest.
And the terrible, yet loveable Harry, in Love, Actually.
From Meredith:
Alan Rickman was so many of my favorite characters over the years, but I will always think of him and love him as the perfect Col. Brandon [in Sense & Sensibility].
And Sarah:
Alan Rickman was an incredible actor gifted in the art of subtlety-—a twinkle in the eye, a slight smirk, a half-raised eyebrow. But for me, it was always about the voice. That voice! He played it like an instrument, and from those rich, elegant sounds came some of the best characters of cinema: Hans Gruber, Snape, Colonel Brandon. (Is there a greater gentleman than the Colonel? I think not.)
Regardless of the role, his presence was powerful, and with his death, he leaves a hole on the big screen that is only overshadowed by the one in our hearts.
Although he could have, Alan never took himself too seriously.
via FireflyEllie7
But I’m sure I speak for most of us when I say he’ll always (*sob*) have a place in our heart as Harry Potter‘s Professor Severus Snape.
They say celebrity deaths come in threes, but I’m really hoping this adage doesn’t hold true before the week is out. I just don’t know that I could handle it.
How will you remember Alan Rickman?
