Well, this has been a rough week. It was announced on Thursday that Alan Rickman has died at age 69 following a battle with cancer. It as a tragic way to start the day for not just fans of Harry Potter, but all film fans.
An accomplished stage actor as well, Rickman's first role was a BBC Television production of Romeo & Juliet, in which he played Tybalt. That set him on a path to play many delicious villains for years to come. Perhaps best known for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films, he was one of the few people who had inside information from J.K. Rowling about Snape's true motivations which shaped his performance. However, Rickman was a living legend with many memorable and critically acclaimed roles. He won a Screen Actor's Guild Award, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy Award in 1996 and 1997 for the TV movie Rasputin, in which he played the title character. His films were also recognized multiple times at the BAFTAs.
Though it's perfectly fine if you only know Rickman as Snape, you should definitely consider checking out his other work. His withering looks and recognizable English drawl have been making audiences cringe with fear and laugh with glee for decades. Here are seven well-known Alan Rickman roles from non-Harry Potter films that you can use to start paying tribute.
1. Sense And Sensibility
Thursday morning, the role trending alongside Severus Snape was "Colonel Brandon," his character from Ang Lee's adaptation of this Jane Austen classic.
2. Die Hard
It's a Christmas classic. You might know the name "Hans Gruber" better than you know the film, because the role was that iconic.
3. Galaxy Quest
This movie is on Netflix, and is (in my humble opinion) one of the funniest movies ever made. It's perfect to watch today and celebrate the lighter side of Rickman's career.
4. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Yeah that's right, he was a singing villain too!
5. Love Actually
So much of Alan Rickman's character in this movie makes me sad, so let's watch Mr. Bean make a fool of him and giggle for a change.
6. Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves
Severus Snape wasn't the only fictional children's character that Rickman played. He was also the Sheriff of Nottingham in this 1991 classic.
7. Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer
Finally, here's a lesser known villainous role from a particularly creepy film. This movie also has bonus young Ben Whishaw, if you're into him. Rest in peace, Alan Rickman.
Image: Columbia Pictures
