Alan Rickman 

Alan Rickman (1946-2016) was an English actor and director. He was born in Hammersmith, London, and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Rickman began his acting career on stage, appearing in numerous productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company and other theater companies. He later transitioned to film and television, becoming a renowned character actor known for his distinctive voice and ability to play both villains and sympathetic characters.

Rickman's breakout role was as the villainous Hans Gruber in the 1988 action film "Die Hard." He went on to play memorable roles in films such as "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Sense and Sensibility," and the "Harry Potter" series, in which he played the complex and brooding character of Severus Snape.

In addition to his acting work, Rickman also directed several films and stage productions. He was widely respected in the entertainment industry for his talent, professionalism, and integrity.

Rickman died in 2016 at the age of 69, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow actors around the world.