Harry Potter fans around the world have been paying tribute to the actor Alan Rickman, who died on Thursday aged 69.
Rickman won fans across the generations for his roles in films such as Sense and Sensibility, Die Hard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But it was his part as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films which has dominated in the tributes offered on social media.
Raise your wands in honour of a brilliantly talented man the world was blessed to have known. #RIPAlanRickman pic.twitter.com/a1C2QLOzPr
— Harry Potter Things (@HarryPotterings) January 14, 2016
Many have used Twitter to pay homage to Rickman by “raising their wands” in reference to a scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when Hogwarts students point their wands to the sky to honour the recently-deceased Dumbledore.
Thank you for being a huge part of my childhood. I'm honored I was alive at the same time as you. #RIPAlanRickman. pic.twitter.com/75zBfxBTPl
— ∞ Cakehole. △⃒⃘ (@221Rants) January 14, 2016
this ones for you professor #RIPAlanRickman pic.twitter.com/PyZJIs8V5Y
— becca (@brkenkiss) January 14, 2016
Others have begun leaving flowers and cards at Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross Station in London.
Point of departure, from one world to another: 9 3/4, Kings Cross, a memorial for #AlanRickman. [via @imjfernandez] pic.twitter.com/PPywyom39R
— Nigel Britto (@NigelBritto) January 15, 2016
Here was King's Cross Platform 9 3/4 a few minutes ago. So much love for our Snape. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Xzp3oTOfnD
— J Fernandez (@imjfernandez) January 14, 2016
Meanwhile in Florida, a Universal Studios Orlando employee has placed a lily in front of the resort’s Potions Classroom.
Rickman’s farewell letter to the franchise has also been widely shared.
And many fans have created artwork using the line of dialogue most frequently associated with the character.
The cast and crew of Harry Potter yesterday shared their sadness at the death of Rickman from cancer.
Daniel Radcliffe wrote that Rickman was “one of the greatest actors I will ever work with” as well as “one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry”.
The younger actor recalled how Rickman came to see every play he was in, and how all Rickman’s acquaintances enjoyed his attentive friendship: “If you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day.”
Daniel Radcliffe on Alan Rickman-"1 of the 1st of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child" pic.twitter.com/B4CAy8SPNs
— Relatable Quotes (@RelatableQuote) January 14, 2016
Said co-star Emma Watson: “I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I’ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.” Rupert Grint said he was “devastated” and that “[e]ven though he has gone I will always hear his voice”.
Rickman’s illness had not been publicly known and the seeming suddenness of his death was reflected in many of the tributes. Jason Isaacs said he was “[s]idestepped by the awful news”. “The polar opposite of the icy, manipulating characters he became best known for, Alan was hilarious, warm-hearted and fabulous company.”
JK Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books, said: “There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.”
My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016
Michael Gambon – Dumbledore in the latter films – said: “Everybody loved Alan. He was always happy and fun and creative and very, very funny.”
Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort, described Rickman as “a dear friend”. “I cannot believe he is gone and we are the poorer for it,” he said. “But his spirit and great generosity live on the hearts of everyone who knew him. Funny, acutely perceptive, extraordinarily loyal and giving - Alan cared.”
