Alan Rickman

Bio:
Alan Rickman (born Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman on February 21, 1946 in Hammersmith, London, England) was an English actor. Alan excelled at the arts as a child, and when he attended the Latymer Upper School in London, he became involved in drama. He followed his interest in graphic design while attending the Royal College of Art. After graduating, Alan opened a graphic design studio, but after three years of success, he decided to pursue acting professionally. Attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Alan studied Shakespeare, and graduated with multiple honors. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in many of the Bard’s famous plays. Starring in the Broadway adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Alan scored a Tony nomination. His first Hollywood film role was that of Hans Gruber in the iconic action film, Die Hard. This breakout performance established Alan as a distinctive actor. He was cast as the romantic lead in 1995’s Sense and Sensibility and played up his comedic side in Galaxy Quest, Dogma, and the movie version of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. However, most audiences know Alan for bringing the character of Severus Snape to life in the Harry Potter film series. Alan passed away on Jan. 14 after a battling cancer.

Best Known For:
Alan Rickman is best known as an actor, most notably as his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise and as Hans Gruber in Die Hard.

Personal Life:
Alan met Rima Horton, his first girlfriend, in 1965. The two lived together since 1977. They were married in a private ceremony in 2012. Alan was active in the Saving Faces charity, and was an honorary president of the International Performers’ Aid Trust.