Alan Rickman died Thursday, January 14, from cancer.
The actor, known not just for his legendary performances as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films, was also a gifted stage actor. Rickman attended London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1978, he first appeared on television as Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. A decade later he played America's favorite love-to-hate-him bad guy, Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Notably, Rickman charmed audiences in the most dismaying manner when he played Harry, the almost-philanderer married to Emma Thompson's character in Love, Actually.
Rickman's family released a statement Thursday: "The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends."
This is a horrible week for beautiful performers.
Earlier this week, David Bowie, also 69, died, also from cancer.
We will miss you horribly, Mr. Rickman.
Always.
This article appears in Jan 14-20, 2016.