Alan Rickman's Legacy

Thu, 01/14/2016 - 3:24pm by mansii

London born British actor and director Alan Rickman died of cancer today, January 14, at age 69. His prolific and versatile acting career of almost forty years spanned stage productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the late 70s and early 80s, and Broadway productions as late as 2001, for which he was nominated for the Tony award. In film he was perhaps most beloved for his role as Professor Severus Snape in all eight Harry Potter adaptions. In 1997 he won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his performance in Rasputin ('96). His deep, hypnotic voice has been his un-asked for trade mark, and despite his late start as an actor at age 26, his master-hood of the craft places his legacy among the giants of film.

Three of my personal favorites from his film career are:

Sense and Sensibility ('95). This adaption of Jane Austin's classic 19th century novel about two sisters (actresses Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet), opposite in character, who learn from each others failures and triumphs in matters of the heart. Rickman plays Colonel Brandon, whose patience and trueness of heart triumphs over his better-looking but false rival in love.

Love Actually ('03). This British film with a host of beloved actors (Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Kierra Knightley, Liam Neeson) charts the interwoven stories of eight couples, who must through different journies learn from their mistakes, forgive, and decide what matters. Rickman plays father and husband, Harry; a business executive who is tempted with infidelity.

Alice in Wonderland ('10). Tim Burton's adaptation of Lewis Carroll's famous children's story, where fantasy and adventure blend in a magical world of talking rabbits, live chess pieces, a vicious queen, a mad hatter, and an enigmatic and enlightened caterpillar (Rickman as the voice).

Rediscover your favorite Alan Rickman films, or be surprised by what you didn't know he played in through this list of his filmography.