British Actor Alan Rickman Passes Away

British actor Alan Rickman, best known for roles like Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies and Hans Grubber in the original Die Hard, has passed away. Sources close to the family say Rickman passed away early Thursday surrounded by family and friends. The 69 year old actor had been suffering from cancer.

Rickman shot to stardom in 1988 opposite Bruce Willis in Die Hard, as terrorist Hans Grubber. He also portrayed the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But Rickman garnered a whole new generation of fans with his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter film series. Rickman was also a veteran of the stage as well.

Rickman will still be seen in the film 'Eye in the Sky' when it is released later this year, and you'll again hear his voice as the catepillar in 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'.

[via The Guardian]