Tributes have been pouring in for Alan Rickman from fans and the world of entertainment following his death at the age of 69. A giant of stage and screen, his passing has been greeted with shock and great sadness.
One of the first to pay tribute to Rickman was author JK Rowling. The actor portrayed Professor Snape in all eight Harry Potter films.
Rowling spoke of her "shock" and said "We have all lost a great talent".
There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016
My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the role of Harry Potter, paid a warm tribute to Rickman saying that was was "undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with".
In a tribute on his Google Plus page, Radcliffe said "He is also one of the [most loyal] and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I’m pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn’t have to do that....".
Rickman as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series
Emma Watson, who played Hermione in the film series, took to Facebook to express her sadness at Rickman's death saying, "I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you."
Harry Potter actor James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the movie franchise also expressed his shock at the actor's passing. He wrote that he was "Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met. Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time."
Emma Thompson, who also starred with Rickman in Harry Potter, as well as playing his on-screen wife in 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2004's Love Actually, released a statement to in remembrance of her long-time collaborator and close friend.
"Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye. What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word," Thompson said.
She added: "He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely. He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again."
Another actor paying tribute to him today included his Die Hard co-star Bruce Willis.
Another dear friend gone ... Yippe Kaye aye dear chap. We will always have Nakatomi. RIP Alan Rickman.
— Bruce Willis (@BruceyWillis) January 14, 2016
What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 14, 2016
I do not want my heroes to die! Alan Rickman is dead & he was another hero. Alan - thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go
— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 14, 2016
Such a fine actor. Sad to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 14, 2016
After Bowie and Lemmy, I can't process another British icon going far too soon. RIP Alan Rickman, he made screen villainy a true art form.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) January 14, 2016
Alan Rickman. Incredible actor and director. Above all, the most generous, funny, loving friend to us. @Deborra_lee and I will miss you so .
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 14, 2016
