Today’s Doodle celebrates the birthday of English actor Alan Rickman. With a deep, captivating magnetic voice and endless charm, he is known worldwide for his magical performances in iconic films such as Harry Potter and Die Hard. On this day in 1987, Rickman performed in the Broadway play Les Liaisons Dangerous, which was instrumental in propelling his career.
Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman (1946-2016) was an English actor and director, best known for his iconic roles in film, television, and theater. He was born in London, England, and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Rickman’s breakout role came in 1985 when he played the villainous Hans Gruber in the film “Die Hard”. He went on to star in a number of other successful films, including “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, “Sense and Sensibility”, and the “Harry Potter” series, in which he played the role of Severus Snape.
In addition to his work on the big screen, Rickman was also a talented stage actor and director. He received critical acclaim for his performances in plays such as “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” and “Private Lives”, and directed a number of plays in London’s West End.
Throughout his career, Rickman was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation, known for his distinctive voice, commanding presence, and versatility. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and inspiring work.
Early Life and Education
Alan Rickman was born on February 21, 1946, in Hammersmith, London, England, to a working-class family. His father, Bernard Rickman, was a factory worker, and his mother, Margaret Doreen Rose, was a housewife.
Rickman attended Derwentwater Primary School in Acton and then went on to the Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith. After graduating, he attended Chelsea College of Art and Design, where he studied graphic design, before deciding to pursue a career in acting.
In 1972, Rickman was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he studied alongside other future stars such as Ralph Fiennes and Kenneth Branagh. He graduated from RADA in 1974 with a diploma in acting and went on to work with various theater companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Career start
Alan Rickman’s career began in the theater. He performed with several theater companies in England, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he gained recognition for his work in productions of “As You Like It”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “The Tempest”. In 1982, he won a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway production of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”.
Rickman’s first on-screen role was in the 1980 television movie “Thérèse Raquin”. He went on to appear in several British television series, including “Smiley’s People” and “The Barchester Chronicles”. However, it was his role as the villainous Hans Gruber in the 1988 action film “Die Hard” that brought him international fame and established him as a Hollywood actor.
After “Die Hard”, Rickman went on to appear in a number of successful films, including “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991), for which he received a BAFTA nomination, “And Sense and Sensibility” (1995), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and the “Harry Potter” film series (2001-2011), in which he played the role of Severus Snape.
Throughout his career, Rickman continued to work in the theater, both as an actor and a director. He directed productions of plays such as “The Winter Guest” and “My Name is Rachel Corrie” in London’s West End.
Personal Life
Alan Rickman was a secretive person and did not often discuss his personal life in interviews. However, it is known that he was married to his longtime partner, Rima Horton, with whom he had been since the 1960s. The pair were together for more than 50 years, and they married in 2012 in a private ceremony.
Rickman was also known for his activism and philanthropy. He supported a variety of causes including human rights, education, and the environment. He served as a patron of the International Performers Aid Trust, an organization that provides assistance to performing artists in need.
Sadly, Alan Rickman passed away on January 14, 2016, at the age of 69 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues around the world, who praised his talent, kindness, and generosity.
Wife and Kids
Alan Rickman was married to Rima Horton, whom he met as a teenager in the 1960s. The couple lived together without marriage for over 50 years before marrying in a private ceremony in 2012. Horton was an economist and a former politician in the UK, who served as a Labor Party councilor in Kensington and Chelsea.
Rickman and Horton had no children, but they were known to be very close and supportive of each other during their relationship. In interviews, Rickman often spoke fondly of his partner, describing him as his “great support system” and “the most important person” in his life.
Filmography
Here is a list of some notable filmography of Alan Rickman:
- Die Hard (1988)
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
- Sense and Sensibility (1995)
- Galaxy Quest (1999)
- Dogma (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
- Love Actually (2003)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
- Bottle Shock (2008)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Alice in Wonderland (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
- Gambit (2012)
- A Little Chaos (2014)
In addition to his work in film, Rickman also appeared in several television shows and stage productions throughout his career. He was a talented and versatile actor who left behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances.
Death and Cause
Alan Rickman died on January 14, 2016, at the age of 69 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was a blow to fans and colleagues around the world, who mourned the loss of a talented actor and a dear human being.
Rickman kept his illness a secret and continued to work on various projects until shortly before his death. His death drew tributes from fellow actors, directors, and fans, who praised his talent, kindness, and generosity.
In a statement released after his death, his family said, “Actor and director Alan Rickman has died of cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.” He also asked for privacy during his time of grief.
Alan Rickman’s death was a great loss to the entertainment industry, and his memory is celebrated by fans and associates around the world. And in his memory, Google honored his birthday by making a doodle.
Interesting Fact
Here are some interesting facts about Alan Rickman:
- Alan Rickman was a talented artist and painter. He attended art school before pursuing a career in acting.
- He was also a trained classical actor, having studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
- Rickman was known for his distinctive voice and was often in demand for voice-over work in, films and documentaries.
- He was a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and was involved in various charitable organizations supporting the community.
- Rickman writer J.K. He was a close friend of Rowling and played Severus Snape in all eight Harry Potter films. He was selected for the role based on his performance in the film “Sense and Sensibility”.
- He was also a talented director and directed several stage productions in London’s West End.
- Rickman was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008 for his services to drama.
- He was a big fan of music and had a great appreciation fo,r classical and jazz music.
- Rickman was known for his dry wit and humor and was often described as a private and reclusive man.
- He was considered by many to be one of the greatest actors of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors.
Happy Birthday Alan Rickman
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