The man would have left us but his roles will continue to mesmerise us for centuries. Alan Rickman, the veteran actor made his transition from theatre to the big screen to do something magical. He died at the age of 69 in London after battling with cancer for a long period of time. Film audiences were introduced to Rickman in 1988 with his debut film Die Hard and were then entertained from dramas to romantic-comedies that he was a part of and also the celebrated adaptations of the Harry Potter series. Here is a list of some of the most remembered performances apart from being one of the most loved/hated on-screen villains of cinema.
1) Die Hard (1988)
For Rickman, this John McTiernan's action classic was the first ever super hit big-screen role. He was 41 when the movie released however for the man it was better late than never. The actor's performance as the suave sinister criminal mastermind character named Hans Gruber who is repeatedly bashed by Bruce Willis' L.A.-visiting New York cop is still remembered.
2) Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990)
Alan Rickman's fans love him in this charming performance of a deceased cellist who returns in ghostly form to aid his girlfriend. The role of the girlfriend is played by Juliet Stevenson who tries to get over Rickman's death in this Anthony Minghella's supernatural romance. Quite an endearing role, we must admit.
3) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Alan did a seamless performance in this classic from the 90's. His dialogue "That's it, then. Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans, no more merciful beheadings, and call of Christmas!" is still remembered. The actor manages to steal the show and achieves highlight in spite of other noted actors in the movie.
4) Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Though an established amazing performer, Alan Rickman went a step ahead in this cult-classic. He managed to do a master class in acting restraint by performing the role of a dignified Colonel Brandon in this amazing Jane Austen adaptation. The other stars of the movie included Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson.
5) Dogma (1999)
Alan Rickman plays the role of a nicely tetchy Metatron (AKA the Voice of God). He steps his foot in this controversial religious comedy with his stellar act in this Kevin Smith's film.
6) Galaxy Quest (1999)
Though Alan Rickman had explored every genre in his earlier roles, this movie combined them all. Rickman's thespian heft along with his comic timing stood him out in this movie. His line "How did I come to this? I played Richard III. There were five curtain calls!" is still remembered.
7) The Harry Potter Film Series (2001 - 2011)
Should anything be even said about this? The ultimate role which made Rickman a sensation was his character of 'Professor Snape' that helped him achieve fans worldwide. The actor first brought the villainous character of Severus Snape to the big screen in 2001, with the release of the first film in the Harry Potter franchise i.e Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. His character, attained deeper meaning in subsequent films which made him be remembered as the ideal villain of a movie for which fans may have ambivalent feelings. His death in the last film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows :Part 2 will be forever etched in one's mind.
8) Love Actually (2003)
Alan Rickman gives a stellar performance in portraying the role of a straying husband who breaks the heart of his wife that is played by Emma Thompson. A wonderful movie for sure!
9) Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)
Last but surely not the least, Alan steals the show as the British actor who plays the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He plays the President who calls upon the assistance of none other than Forest Whitaker's titular White House employee.
We will continue to remember the man by revisiting some of his finest performances, as listed above. RIP Alan Rickman.
Read: Alan Rickman tribute: All Professor Snape's scenes from Harry Potter in chronological order
