Known across generations for his role in the Harry Potter movies as Professor Severus Snape, Alan Rickman has passed away. His family confirmed his death early Thursday morning and it is said that Rickman had been suffering from cancer.

His career took off in 1988 when, at the age of 41, he was offered a role as Hans Gruber in Die Hard. While he saw much success as a film actor, it was his theatre performances that marked him as one of the great dramatic actors of his time.

“Talent is an accident of the genes, and a responsibility.”

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