Renowned theatre and movie actor Alan Rickman passed away on Thursday at the age of 69 from cancer. He is remembered by friends and fans alike, most notably for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was released in July of 2011, but Rickman said his official goodbyes in April, when he finished voiceover. He penned the following to Empire Magazine.
I have just returned from the dubbing studio where I spoke into a microphone as Severus Snape for absolutely the last time. On the screen were some flashback shots of Daniel, Emma, and Rupert from ten years ago. They were 12. I have also recently returned from New York, and while I was there, I saw Daniel singing and dancing (brilliantly) on Broadway. A lifetime seems to have passed in minutes.
Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape than an unchanging costume, and that even though only three of the books were out at that time, she held the entire massive but delicate narrative in the surest of hands.
It is an ancient need to be told in stories. But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo.
Alan Rickman
Rickman accepted the role of the dark potions professor before J.K. Rowling’s series was even complete.