Some news is very hard to bear. Today, word spread that Alan Rickman has died of cancer, aged 69. The British actor was well-loved by many for his phenomenal portrayal of characters across some of the biggest films, spanning decades.
He was an inspiration to both people he worked with and people who watched him, and his enigmatic personality will remain in our memories.
His deep, drawling voice and suave personality became instantly recognisable as he went from strength to strength as an actor, featuring in hits like Robin Hood, Love Actually and Harry Potter.
He proved his versatility, morphing from comedies to chick-flicks, but his portrayal as the villainous characters is a work of art.
Now, in tribute, let’s have a look at his 10 best moments in film.
The Harry Potter series
As someone who grew up watching the magical Harry Potter series, I can truly appreciate the art form that was Rickman’s portrayal of arguably the most complex character in the film adaptions of J.K. Rowling’s best-sellers.
Snape was the potions teacher that viewers loved to hate, with slicked-back hair and a mean snarl. That was until *SPOILER ALERT* the bombshell dropped that Snape was in fact in love with Harry’s mother, and thus one of Potter’s greatest protectors.
Alan Rickman brought this character to life, doing the impossible and making us admire the man we had grown to loathe.
A man living with destructive hidden turmoil, Snape was understandably one of Rickman’s most beloved characters.
[video:https://youtu.be/RhOQ4VW6xV8]Love Actually
Here, Rickman starred as Harry, the managing director of a design agency who cheats on his wife Karen (Emma Thompson).
Alan made this character annoyingly real, as a middle-aged man sick of a daily routine and easily wooed by a flirtatious young co-worker. Easily the best scene from his part in the film involves Rowan Atkinson, never ending gift-wrapping and a very worried looking Rickman.
[video:https://youtu.be/cfNzZre-sIU]Die Hard
Surprisingly his first cinematic role, Rickman showcased his talent for playing the baddie as the sinister Hans Gruber who is brought down by off-duty cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) in Die Hard.
This performance came straight after he smashed a Broadway performance as Victomte de Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Setting the tone for one-screen villainy for years to come, here we see the brilliant moment he fell from a building.
[video:https://youtu.be/cnQEo4bazIo]Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Back again for another Hollywood villain role, in 1991 Alan Rickman donned a fabulous haircut to play the Sheriff of Nottingham. He won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his work, and here we get to see some truly brilliant facial expressions from the sweaty Sheriff.
Always one for unforgettable quotes, also cue the delightful “I’ll cut your heart out with a spoon” scene.
[video:https://youtu.be/LjQBbvMoNpc] [video:https://youtu.be/MhfuuKiTcYQ]Dogma
Here we get to see Alan at his grouchy sarcastic best, as fallen angel Metatron (AKA the voice of God) in Kevin Smith’s Dogma.
Whilst not the main character, he still steals every scene he’s in.
[video:https://youtu.be/vnyo5T32LKk]Sense and Sensibility
Staring alongside Emma Thompson in this Jane Austen classic, Rickman scaled back his big personality to play dignified Colonel Brandon who wins the affections of Kate Winslet as Marianne.
Who doesn’t want to hear Alan Rickman read?
[video:https://youtu.be/clTG6sYtJig]The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Rickman plays the voice of Marvin the Paranoid Android, and gave us all the line: “I think you ought to know I’m feeling very depressed today.”
Need I say anymore about that?
[video:https://youtu.be/YKd6ZxCEJdI]Truly Madly Deeply
Here Rickman played Juliet Stevenson’s cellist boyfriend, in what is essentially a story of a ghost who haunts his girlfriend after death.
Rickman’s portrayal of a doting man who’s just trying to hold onto his love is gripping.
[video:https://youtu.be/AZ52td1GMT0]Galaxy Quest
Alan Rickman will also be remembered for his gift for comedy, portrayed here in this Sci-Fi spoof in the late 90s.
This Star Trek themed film sees a crew of a sci-fi TV series get mistaken for actual space warriors.
Alan is the perfect fit for the has-been thespian who thinks he’s far too good for the whole charade.
“How did I come to this? I played Richard III. There were five curtain calls.”
[video:https://youtu.be/uDJsCE01LYI]Alice in Wonderland
Delighting us all with his soothing drawl yet again, in Alice and Wonderland, the actor voices the wise but critical creature, Absolem the Caterpillar, in Tim Burton’s adaption of the classic.
[video:https://youtu.be/6lu0IzD3lw4]Which is your favourite Alan Rickman role? Let us know in the comments below!
