Alan Rickman

About Alan Rickman 

Alan Rickman was an accomplished English actor and director, known for his distinctive voice and talent for both modern and classical theatre productions. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he gained critical acclaim for his role as the Vicomte de Valmont in the stage production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Rickman’s breakout role in cinema came as the villainous Hans Gruber in Die Hard, and he went on to play a wide range of characters in films such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sense, and Sensibility, and the Harry Potter series, in which he played the complex character of Severus Snape. In addition to his work in film and theatre, Rickman also made a name for himself in television, including his breakthrough role in The Barchester Chronicles and his award-winning performance as Rasputin in the television film Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny. Despite his many accomplishments, Rickman never received an Academy Award nomination during his career. He died from pancreatic cancer in January 2016 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved actors.

Alan Rickman Early Life & Family Background

Alan Rickman, born on February 21, 1946, in the Acton district of London, England, had a mixed ethnicity as his mother was Welsh and his paternal grandmother was Irish. He held British nationality and his zodiac sign was Pisces. He was the daughter of his father, Bernard Rickman, and his mother, Margaret Doreen Rose Bartlett. His father passed away when he was only eight years old due to cancer, and his mother struggled to raise him and his siblings by working for the Post Office. His dad was a world war II aircraft fitter, factory worker, house decorator, and painter and his mum was a housewife. He had three siblings namely David Bernard Rickman (Older Brother) (Graphic Designer), Michael Keith Rickman (Younger Brother) (Tennis Coach & District Councillor in Leicestershire), and Sheila J. Innes (Younger Sister). For the last time, he celebrated his 69th birthday in 2016.

Alan attended several schools, including West Acton First School, Derwentwater Primary School, and Latymer Upper School, where he became involved in drama. Rickman went on to attend Chelsea College of Art and Design, where he became a graphic designer for the college's in-house magazine, ARK, and the Notting Hill Herald. After running a successful graphic design studio for three years, Rickman decided to pursue acting professionally and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) from 1972 to 1974. During his time at RADA, he worked as a dresser for Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Sir Ralph Richardson. His distinctive voice was due to a tight jaw he was born with, which was discovered by a vocal coach who told him he had a "spastic soft palate." As a child, he excelled at calligraphy and watercolour painting, and before he met his longtime partner Rima Horton, he had a crush on a girl named Amanda at his school's sports day. His mother remarried in 1960 but divorced Rickman's stepfather after three years.

Alan Rickman Acting Career

• During the 1980s, Alan Rickman made a name for himself in British repertory and experimental theatre productions, such as Chekhov's The Seagull and Snoo Wilson's The Grass Widow at the Royal Court Theatre. 
• He also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), contributing an essay about his process to the RSC's book Players of Shakespeare 2. 
• Rickman's breakout role was in the BBC's adaptation of Trollope's first two Barchester novels, The Barchester Chronicles (1982), as the Reverend Obadiah Slope. 
• He went on to play the male lead, the Vicomte de Valmont, in the RSC's 1985 production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which earned him both a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance. 
• In 1988, Rickman landed his first feature film role as the antagonist Hans Gruber in Die Hard opposite Bruce Willis, which earned him critical acclaim and a spot on the AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains list.
• In the 1990s, Alan Rickman continued to make a name for himself in Hollywood with a range of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. While he had gained a reputation for playing villainous characters, he managed to break out of that mold and take on more complex roles. 
• In 1991, he starred in the critically acclaimed romance film Truly, Madly, Deeply, which earned him a BAFTA Award nomination. 
• He also received critical praise for his performance in Stephen Poliakoff's Close My Eyes, which won him the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor. 
• Rickman's portrayal of Colonel Brandon in Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility (1995) earned him a third BAFTA nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. 
• He also won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Éamon de Valera in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins, for which he earned his fourth BAFTA nomination.
• Rickman also demonstrated his comedic talent in the 1990s with his role as Sir Alexander Dane/Dr. Lazarus in the sci-fi parody Galaxy Quest (1999). He also played the angel Metatron in Kevin Smith's Dogma (1999). 
• Despite his success in Hollywood, Rickman remained active in the theater. In 1995, he directed The Winter Guest at London's Almeida Theatre, and he appeared in the Royal National Theatre's production of Antony and Cleopatra in 1998 as Mark Antony, opposite Helen Mirren as Cleopatra. 
• He also made a comedic appearance in Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings, a BBC One Christmas special, playing an aged colonel in the battle of Waterloo who is forced to break off his engagement to Honeysuckle Weeks' character.
• The 2000s were a busy decade for Alan Rickman, with some of his most notable roles and accomplishments taking place during this time. One of the most significant events was his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, which began with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001 and continued until 2011. Rickman's performance as the complex and enigmatic character earned him critical acclaim and a legion of fans.
• Alongside his work on the big screen, Rickman also continued to perform on stage, starring in Noël Coward's Private Lives, which was successful both in London's West End and on Broadway. 
• He also directed the premiere production of My Name Is Rachel Corrie, a play that he co-compiled with journalist Katharine Viner, at London's Royal Court Theatre in 2005, winning the Theatre Goers' Choice Award for Best Director.
• In addition to his stage work, Rickman also continued to take on film roles during the 2000s. He played Harry, the foolish husband of Emma Thompson's character in the Christmas-themed romantic comedy Love Actually (2003), a role that showcased his versatility as an actor.
• He also lent his voice to Marvin the Paranoid Android in the science fiction comedy The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005) and played the egotistical, Nobel Prize-winning father in the black comedy Nobel Son (2007). 
• Other notable films from this decade included Something the Lord Made (2004), Snow Cake (2006), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), in which he appeared alongside his Harry Potter co-stars Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Timothy Spall.
• In October and November 2010, Rickman starred in the eponymous role in Henrik Ibsen's John Gabriel Borkman at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin alongside Lindsay Duncan and Fiona Shaw.
• In 2010, Alan Rickman continued to add to his impressive body of work with several notable performances. He starred alongside Emma Thompson in the BBC television production, The Song of Lunch, and provided the voice for Absolem the Caterpillar in Tim Burton's film, Alice in Wonderland. However, it was his portrayal of Severus Snape in the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, that garnered widespread critical acclaim. 
• Throughout the series, Rickman's performance as Snape was lauded by critics, and his final appearance in the role received award nominations at the Saturn Awards and the Scream Awards. 
• In November 2011, Rickman opened in the new play, Seminar, on Broadway, winning the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a Play.
• In the following years, Rickman continued to impress audiences with his performances. In 2012, he starred alongside Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz in Michael Hoffman's Gambit, a remake of the 1966 film. 
• He also played Hilly Kristal, the founder of the East Village punk-rock club CBGB, in the 2013 film CBGB. 
• In 2014, Rickman directed and starred in the costume drama film, A Little Chaos, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The following year, he gave his final onscreen performance in Gavin Hood's Eye in the Sky, which received critical acclaim and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%. 
• Despite his untimely passing in 2016, Alan Rickman left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Alan Rickman Wife & Children

Alan Rickman was in a long-term committed relationship with his wife, Rima Horton for over 50 years. The couple met in 1965 when they were both students and fell in love quickly. They lived together in London since 1977, and even though they never officially tied the knot until 2012, they remained devoted to each other throughout their relationship. Rima was not only Alan's partner but also a successful economics lecturer at Kingston University and a member of the Labour Party councilor. Alan spoke very highly of his wife, and they kept their relationship very private, rarely appearing in public together or discussing their personal life in interviews.

Despite their 50 years together, the couple never had children. Instead, they focused on their careers and each other. Sadly, Alan Rickman passed away in 2016 from pancreatic cancer, leaving Rima behind. The couple's long-lasting love story is a testament to the power of true love and dedication in a relationship.

Alan Rickman Cause of Death

Alan Rickman, a British actor known for his iconic roles in films such as Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and the Harry Potter series, battled illness before his death in January 2016 at the age of 69. In 2005, Rickman was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer and underwent a prostatectomy in 2006. While deliberating whether to return to the Harry Potter series after his surgery, he ultimately decided to see it through and continue his role as Professor Snape. In August 2015, Rickman suffered a minor stroke, which led to a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. He kept his diagnosis private and revealed it only to his closest confidants. Rickman died on 14 January 2016 in London, and his remains were cremated at West London Crematorium in Kensal Green. His final films, Eye in the Sky and Alice Through the Looking Glass were dedicated to his memory, as was The Limehouse Golem, which would have been his next project.

Rickman's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from his co-stars, contemporaries, and fans. Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling called him "a magnificent actor and a wonderful man," while Emma Watson expressed gratitude for having worked with "such a special man and actor." Daniel Radcliffe appreciated Rickman's loyalty and support, noting that he had come to see all of his performances on stage. Other actors, such as Kate Winslet, Dame Helen Mirren, and Johnny Depp, remembered Rickman for his warm personality, distinctive voice, and unique talent. An edited collection of Rickman's diaries from 1993 to 2015, titled Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries, was published in 2022.

On 30 April 2023, Google commemorated Rickman's life and legacy with a Doodle, showcasing his iconic portrayal of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. Rickman's contributions to film and theater continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.

Alan Rickman Net Worth

Alan Rickman's successful career in the entertainment industry contributed greatly to his net worth. He was a versatile actor who showcased his talents in both film and theater productions. He was also a director, having directed the film A Little Chaos in 2014. Throughout his career, Rickman received numerous accolades for his performances, including a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a BAFTA. He was highly regarded in the industry and had a large fan following. His net worth was estimated to be $16 million as of 2023, which he acquired through his successful career in entertainment. He was known to have lived a luxurious life, with properties in both London and New York, and was often seen attending high-profile events. According to his will, Alan left £25,000 each to 4 charities – Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Saving Faces, International Performers Aid Trust, and Sponsored Arts for Education. He also bequeathed £25,000 to each of his three nieces.

Alan Rickman Height & Weight

Alan Rickman was known for his striking appearance, standing at 6 ft 1 in or 185.5 cm tall and weighing 78 kg or 172 lbs. He had a slim build, hazel eyes, and dark blonde hair which had turned grey as he aged. Rickman was also recognized for his distinctive features, including his rich, smooth voice and his striking smile. He wore a shoe size of 12 (US) or 45 (EU) or 11 (UK).

Sadly, Alan Rickman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2015. Despite his illness, he continued to work on projects until his death on January 14, 2016, in London. His passing was mourned by fans around the world, who remembered him as a talented actor with a unique presence and a commanding voice. Rickman's legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances on stage and screen, and his contributions to the world of acting and the arts.