WATCH: Alan Rickman’s most memorable characters (CNN)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Alan Rickman, best known for his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies, has passed away. He was 69 years old.
A report from The Guardian said Rickman’s death was confirmed by his family. It added that the actor had been suffering from cancer.
Rickman was born in London in 1946. He ran a successful graphic design business before pursuing a career in theater.
He auditioned for the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts (RADA) where he earned a scholarship at the age of 26.
Rickman first caught popular attention after performing the role of Vicomte de Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Broadway in 1987 — a role which earned him a Tony Award nomination. His first movie role came in 1988 when he played bad guy Hans Gruber in Die Hard.
Rickman played roles in countless movie hits over the years, among them, Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility and Harry in Love Actually.
But his most popular role was that of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies.
Rickman was also well known for his distinctive speaking voice which actor Benedict Cumberbatch famously imitated in an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Ever the sport, Rickman ribbed Fallon when he guested on the show, and part of the interview was done with him and Fallon talking after having taking hits of helium from a balloon.
Rickman’s almost four-decade career was studded with awards with him winning a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
