On Thursday, Alan Rickman's family confirmed that the renowned British actor has died of cancer at the age of 69. Rickman's characters could be anything: humorously dry, deviously abrasive, secretly troubled, and/or irrefutably lovable. His distinctive voice, especially in his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, articulated each of those characteristics brilliantly. And fans around the world will have two last chances to hear Rickman's one-of-a-kind acting. Two films which feature the actor remain to be released — Alice Through the Looking Glass and Eye in the Sky — and both come out this spring.
Since 1978, Rickman has appeared in dozens of films, and is best known for his roles in Die Hard, all eight Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. In his later career, Rickman further immersed himself in the creative process of filmmaking, writing and directing A Little Chaos (2014) and The Winter Guest (1997).
In addition to his work in the film industry, Rickman also had paramount presence in the British theater community, where he acted on stage, sang, and even directed productions. In his 20s, he became highly involved in experimental theater groups after deciding to stick with drama and forego his more "stable" job as a graphic designer for a local radical newspaper.
The world thanks him for his decision to share his stunning voice and incredible acting skills both on screen and on stage. Now, he leaves behind two films that will be meaningful for fans who want to hear his voice one last time. In Alice Through the Looking Glass, which is set to be released this May, he plays the hookah-smoking blue caterpillar Absalom, reprising his role from 2010's Alice in Wonderland. He also stars as Lieutenant General Frank Benson in Eye in the Sky, will be released in theaters this March. The film hones in on the moral decisions behind conducting drone strikes, and the innocent lives lost as a result.
If you love Rickman for his voice, which will transcend time and resonate with fans for years to come, then you're not alone. Science is right there with you. In a study based on tone, speed, frequency, words per minute, and intonation, Rickman had the top-rated voice among 49 other actors. Linguist Andrew Linn, who headed the study, explained the appeal to The Independent:
As humans we instinctively know which voices send shivers down our spine and which make us shudder with disgust.
Rickman's deep, lulling voice made him seem serious and sometimes even sinister, but helium balloons suggest otherwise. During an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Rickman and Fallon sucked the helium out of balloons, and Rickman was especially delightful. Even Professor Snape has a silly side.
