A two-time Tony nominee for his roles in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Private Lives, he was last seen on Broadway in 2012 in Theresa Rebeck's Seminar directed by Sam Gold (pre-Fun Home).
His screen credits included Hans Gruber in Die Hard, Snape in the Harry Potter films, as well as Judge Turpin in Tim Burton's film adaptation of Sweeney Todd.
One role I've always imagined him playing was Ebenezer Scrooge, but now, it's never gonna happen.
I have absolutely no words right now. Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life since I read the first book in second grade. I am in complete and utter shock. He will be sorely missed.
I was just beginning to re-read the HP series again.
Harry Potter is how I was introduced to him as a kid. He has done a great deal of other work, but I will always remember him as Professor Severus Snape.
He was magnetic on stage, you just couldn't take your eyes off him. I have loved him on stage and in movies, but to me, he will always be the definitive Valmont. First David Bowie, then Brian Bedford and now Alan Rickman. It's been a horrible week.
Thank you Mr. Rickman for sharing you incredible talent with us. Rest in Peace, you will be missed.
I will miss seeing him in new works. He made every character he played distinctive and new. He was one of the very best to step on stage or in front of the camera. RIP