Born: February 21, 1946 – Died: January 14, 2016
Alan Rickman, an actor with an unforgettable presence, was born into a working-class family on February 21, 1946, in Acton, West London. His father, Bernard Rickman, of Irish descent, worked in a factory, and his mother, Margaret Doreen Rose Bartlett, had English and Welsh roots. Alan grew up with an older brother, David, a younger brother, Michael, and a sister, Sheila. Tragically, his father passed away when he was just eight. This early loss would shape much of Rickman's character and, eventually, his art.
Early Life and Career
Rickman's journey into the acting world was unconventional. He initially pursued graphic design, studying at Chelsea College of Art and Design and later at the Royal College of Art. His creative inclinations, however, eventually led him to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he received a scholarship at the age of 26. This late start in acting did not hinder his ascent; instead, it added depth and richness to his performances.
His first professional role was in 1987, as Vicomte de Valmont in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" on Broadway, earning him a Tony Award nomination. This role marked the beginning of a career characterized by versatility and depth. However, it was his portrayal of the urbane villain Hans Gruber in "Die Hard" (1988) that catapulted Rickman to international stardom. This role set a new standard for cinematic villains and showcased Rickman's ability to imbue even the most malevolent characters with charm and complexity.
Throughout his career, Rickman won numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award. He was known for his roles in diverse films like "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," and "Galaxy Quest." However, his portrayal of Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" series introduced him to a new generation of fans, cementing his status as a beloved figure in pop culture.
Off-screen, Rickman was known for his long-term relationship with Rima Horton, whom he met during his college days. Despite his fame, Rickman maintained a private personal life, known for his other talents, including a deep baritone voice that lent itself to various voice roles. He was also involved in various philanthropic endeavors, though he preferred to keep these activities away from the public eye.
Rickman's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is immeasurable. He was not just a versatile actor but also a director and writer, bringing a unique depth to every role he played. His ability to portray complex characters with both gravitas and subtle humor made him an icon in the industry. His legacy is not just in the roles he played but in the way he played them – with an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a refusal to be typecast. Alan Rickman's death on January 14, 2016, due to pancreatic cancer, marked the end of an era, but his influence on the acting world remains as potent as ever.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Alice Through the Looking Glass | Absolem (voice) |
| 2015 | Eye in the Sky | Lieutenant General Frank Benson |
| 2014 | A Little Chaos | King Louis XIV |
| 2013 | Dust (Short) | Todd |
| 2013 | CBGB | Hilly Kristal |
| 2013 | A Promise | Karl Hoffmeister |
| 2013 | The Butler | Ronald Reagan |
| 2012 | Gambit | Lionel Shabandar |
| 2011 | The Boy in the Bubble (Short) | The Storyteller (voice) |
| 2011 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 | Professor Severus Snape |
| 2010 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 | Professor Severus Snape |
| 2010 | The Song of Lunch (TV Movie) | He |
| 2010 | Alice in Wonderland | Blue Caterpillar (voice) |
| 2010 | Arena (TV Series) | Various characters |
| 2010 | The Wildest Dream | Noel Odell (voice) |
| 2009 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | Professor Severus Snape |
| 2008 | Bottle Shock | Steven Spurrier |
| 2007 | Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street | Judge Turpin |
| 2007 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Severus Snape |
| 2007 | Nobel Son | Eli Michaelson |
| 2006 | Perfume: The Story of a Murderer | Richis |
| 2006 | Snow Cake | Alex Hughes |
| 2005 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Severus Snape |
| 2005 | The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy | Marvin (voice) |
| 2004 | Something the Lord Made (TV Movie) | Dr. Alfred Blalock |
| 2004 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Professor Severus Snape |
| 2003 | Love Actually | Harry |
| 2002 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | Professor Snape |
| 2002 | King of the Hill (TV Series) | King Philip (voice) |
| 2001 | The Search for John Gissing | John Gissing |
| 2001 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone | Professor Snape |
| 2001 | Play (Short) | Man |
| 2001 | We Know Where You Live. Live! (TV Movie) | Second Yorkshireman |
| 2001 | Blow Dry | Phil |
| 2000 | Texas: In Demand (Music Video) | Alan Rickman (as Texas) |
| 2000 | Victoria Wood: With All the Trimmings | TV Special | Captain George Fallon |
| 2000 | A Fish Tale | Joe (English version, voice) |
| 1999 | Galaxy Quest | Alexander Dane |
| 1999 | Dogma | Metatron |
| 1998 | Dark Harbor | David | husband |
| 1998 | Judas Kiss | Detective David Friedman |
| 1997 | The Space Bar (Video Game) | My Parker | Ty Parker (voice) |
| 1997 | The Winter Guest | Man in Street (uncredited) |
| 1996 | Michael Collins | Eamon de Valera |
| 1996 | Rasputin (TV Movie) | Grigori Rasputin |
| 1995 | Lumière and Company | (segment "John Boorman") |
| 1995 | Sense and Sensibility | Colonel Brandon |
| 1995 | An Awfully Big Adventure | P.L. O'Hara |
| 1994 | Mesmer | Franz Anton Mesmer |
| 1993 | Fallen Angels (TV Series) | Dwight Billings |
| 1992 | Bob Roberts | Lukas Hart III |
| 1991 | Close My Eyes | Sinclair | Natalie's husband |
| 1991 | Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves | Sheriff of Nottingham |
| 1991 | Closet Land | Interrogator |
| 1990 | Truly Madly Deeply | Jamie |
| 1990 | *Quigley Down Under* | Elliott Marston |
| 1989 | Revolutionary Witness: The Preacher (TV Short) | Jacques Roux (segment "The Preacher") |
| 1989 | Screenplay (TV Series) | Israel Yates (segment "From Sleep and Shadow") |
| 1989 | Theatre Night (TV Series) | Colin |
| 1989 | The January Man | Ed |
| 1988 | *Die Hard* | Hans Gruber |
| 1985 | Girls on Top (TV Series) | Voice of RADA | Dimitri |
| 1985 | Summer Season (TV Series) | Croop |
| 1985 | Wetherby | TV commentator (uncredited) |
| 1983 | Busted (TV Movie) | Simon |
| 1982 | The Barchester Chronicles (TV Mini Series) | Obadiah Slope |
| 1982 | Smiley's People (TV Mini Series) | Mr. Brownlow |
| 1980 | Shelley (TV Series) | Clive |
| 1980 | Thérèse Raquin (TV Mini Series) | Vidal |
| 1978 | The BBC Television Shakespeare (TV Series) | Tybalt |