Alan Rickman was a renowned British actor and director who had a distinguished career portraying a vast array of virtuous and nefarious characters in theatre, film, and television productions. He was best known for his roles as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, and Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Alan Rickman was also a respected stage actor who won several awards for his Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Private Lives, and Seminar performances. He died of pancreatic cancer on 14 January 2016 at 69.
Alan Rickman Early Life and Education
Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman was born on 21 February 1946 in the Acton district of London to housewife Margaret Doreen Rose (née Bartlett), of English and Welsh descent, and factory worker, house painter and decorator, and former Second World War aircraft fitter Bernard William Rickman. He had an older brother (David), a younger brother (Michael), and a younger sister (Sheila). Alan’s father passed away when he was 8 years old. He received financial aid to attend Latymer Upper School. At Chelsea College of Art and Design, where he majored in graphic design, he met Rima Horton, who would go on to become his longstanding companion. After three years at Chelsea College, Rickman did graduate studies at the Royal College of Art.
Alan Rickman Career Highlights
Rickman made his acting debut playing Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet as part of the BBC’s Shakespeare series in 1978. His breakthrough role was Obadiah Slope in the BBC adaptation of The Barchester Chronicles 1982. He became a Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) member, performing in modern and classical theatre productions. In the 1985 RSC theatrical version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, he played the Vicomte de Valmont. He received a Tony Award nomination after the play moved to the West End in 1986 and Broadway in 1987.
Rickman’s first acting gig was in Die Hard (1988), playing German terrorist leader Hans Gruber. He starred in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) as the Sheriff of Nottingham, for which he received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Alan Rickman earned critical notice for his leading roles in Truly, Madly, Deeply (1991) and A Big Adventure (1995) before gaining acclaim for his supporting roles as Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Éamon de Valera in Michael Collins (1996). He also gained attention for his comedic roles in Dogma (1999), Galaxy Quest (1999). The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005). In addition to Love Actually (2003), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), and Alice in Wonderland (2010), he then went on to play Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series (2001–2011). In the movies CBGB (2013), Eye in the Sky (2015).
On television, Rickman starred in several films, playing the titular character in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996), which won him a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also played Alfred Blalock in Something the Lord Made (2004). Which earned him an Emmy nomination and another Golden Globe nomination. He also voiced Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series.
Rickman also directed two films: The Winter Guest (1997), starring Emma Thompson and her mother, Phyllida Law, and A Little Chaos (2014), starring Kate Winslet and himself.
Alan Rickman Personal Life and Death
Rickman had been in a relationship with Rima Horton since 1965. They lived together from 1977 until his death. They married in a private ceremony in New York City in 2012. Rickman was an active patron of several charities, including Saving Faces and the International Performers’ Aid Trust. He was also politically involved, supporting causes such as the Labour Party, the research of stem cells, and the prevention of torture.
Rickman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2015. He kept his illness private and continued to work until a few weeks before his death. He died on 14 January 2016 in London, surrounded by his family and friends. His death was widely mourned by fans and fellow actors, who paid tribute to his talent, generosity, and kindness.
Net Worth, Wiki, Age, Height, and More
Rickman’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $16 million. He had earned his wealth from his thriving theatre, film, and television career. He also owned several properties in London and New York.
Rickman was born on 21 February 1946, which means he was 69 years old. When he died on 14 January 2016. He was a Pisces according to the zodiac sign.
Rickman was 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall, which gave him a commanding presence on screen and stage. He had dark brown hair and green eyes.
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