Celebrated British film and stage actor, Alan Rickman passed away from cancer earlier this evening. Best known for his roles as Professor Severus Snape in Harry Potter films, Robin Hood and Die Hard, he died aged 69 after suffering from cancer. 

Rickman passed away in London with his family around him, who said in a statement: “The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.”

He was previosuly honoured with a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for his leading role in 1995 film Rasputin, despite only starting his film career at the age of 41. 

RIP Alan Rickman.