While Alan Rickman’s stage and film career spanned nearly four decades, he was best-known recently for his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. On the day of his passing, his former Harry Potter co-stars are turning to social media to pay tribute.
On the British film veteran, who died at age 69 on Thursday after a battle with cancer, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling wrote on Twitter that she was “devastated.”
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
Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played the role Harry in the film series, wrote on his Google Plus page that Rickman was one of the most loyal and supportive actors he had ever worked with.
Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest 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. I know other people who’ve been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say ‘if you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day.’
Meanwhile, Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) wrote on her Facebook page, “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.”
Watson added: “I’ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.”
Actor Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) released a statement, saying, “I am devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman, I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him on numerous occasions – Even though he has gone – I will always hear his voice. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
Potter co-star Emma Thompson, who played Professor Trelawney in the films, remembered the Rickman as “the finest of actors and directors.”
“What I remember most in this painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness,” Thompson wrote. “His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. The intransigence made him the great artist he was—his ineffable and cynical wit, the clarity with which he saw most things, including me, and the fact that he never spared me the view. I learned a lot from him.”
Added Thompson, “He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again.”
Read other Harry Potter co-star tributes below:
Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016
Devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. I had the pleasure of working with him on my first movie. A true legend and gentleman.
— Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) January 14, 2016
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
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016
After hearing the news of Rickman’s death, other stars also took to social media to remember the actor:
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
Alan Rickman was an actor's actor; courageous, generous, witty & surprising. When he laughed he lit up a room. A prince. You will be missed.
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) January 14, 2016
I will miss the great Alan Rickman.
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) January 14, 2016
ALAN RICKMAN (1946-2016)
There is so much that is matchless to remember about Alan Rickman. pic.twitter.com/x6cRB4VIIS— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) January 14, 2016
Alan Rickman. It has been a complete and total pleasure watching you over the years. A special talent and a special man. Rest in peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 14, 2016
So sad about Alan Rickman. To be able to touch so many generations with countless incredible performances is a rare gift. Thankful he shared
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) 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
Alan Rickman was an extraordinary actor. I love this moment in Die Hard: https://t.co/nsWuW6y549 Rest In Peace.
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) January 14, 2016
"Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of Britain's best-loved actors Alan Rickman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family #RIP"
— Bianca Jagger Nicaraguense por gracia de Dios 🇳 (@BiancaJagger) January 14, 2016