Alan Rickman was an English actor and director who was shot to fame because of his iconic role of ‘Professor Severus Snape’ in the Harry Potter series. The actor is ranked 46th in the American Film Institute’s list of hundred greatest villains of all time. He was known popularly for his roles in various TV series like ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Truly, madly, deeply, but he is truly recognised for his portrayal of Snape in the Harry Potter movie franchise.
The early 2000s marked the beginning of Harry Potter which would go on to become one of the most popular and valued franchises in the world. This is the story of the wizards and their epic world created by J.K. Rowling. Every character, starting from the main protagonist of Harry Potter played by Daniel Radcliffe to one of the most popular antagonists portrayed by Alan Rickman Snape are very cherished in the hearts and minds of the millennials. Allan Rickman Harry Potter association is widely cherished.
How did Alan Rickman become Snape?
Severus Snape appears in all the eight parts of the Harry Potter movie series. The writer of the wizards’ drama had an important say in choosing most of the cast members for the roles of Dumbledore Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. She specifically requested for Alan Rickman as Professor Snape in the onscreen adaptations of her novels. She also provided him with some important inside information about the character’s future when only three of the books were published and many secrets were not yet out to the readers.
Alan was already an established actor having won multiple awards for his roles in ‘Rasputin: dark servant of destiny’ and ‘ Robin Hood: Prince of thieves’ in the 1990s. But the work he was destined to be recognised the most for was his character adaptation and presentation of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter.
Journey of Alan Rickman aka Snape
Professor Snape aka Alan Rickman was born on 21st February 1946 in West London to Margaret Rose and Bernard Rickman. He had two brothers and a sister. What is mostly unknown about him is that Alan was born with a tight jaw which caused speech impediment resulting in unique language tone and delivery which is regarded as Rickman’s signature sound.
The actor developed an interest in drama during his early school days and further decided to pursue his passion by attending the Chelsea College of Arts and Designs and the Royal College of Art in his young days. He auditioned with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) between 1972 to 1974 and obtained many roles in esteemed productions such as the Royal Shakespeare Academy. Alan Rickman married Rima Horton in 2012.
Alan Rickman’s Death and Funeral
Alan Rickman death came as a shock to many as people were unaware of his deteriorating health. He suffered a minor Stroke in August 2015 and this led to his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the terminal stage. Only his close confidants were aware of his health condition. Rickman passed away at the age of 69 on 14 January 2016 in a London hospital. Alan Rickman funeral was held and remains were cremated on 3rd February 2016 in Kensal Garden and his ashes were handed over to his wife.
Tributes by Industry and Fans
Rickman’s final 2 films ‘Eye in the Sky’ and ‘ Alice through the looking glass’ were dedicated to his memory by the makers.
The author of renowned series ‘ the Harry Potter’, JK Rowling tweeted, “No words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death. He was a magnificent actor and a wonderful man.
The actor who portrays Harry Potte, Daniel Radcliffe said that Alan Rickman was undoubtedly one of the greatest actors he had ever worked with. He also stated the late legend was very supportive and encouraging towards young actors.
His fans created a memorial sign for him at the London Kings Cross railway station followings his demise.
Best scenes by Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter
Given below is the list of some of the best scenes by Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter.
The First Potions Class in Harry Potter
In this scene (in Harry Potter And Sorcerer’s Stone), we get the first glimpse of the true character of Severus Snape when he bangs open the door and gives a speech to the students and wages a personal attack on Harry Potter by singling him out. This is the scene that is believed to have made the character unlikeable to the audience.
Confronting Harry and Ron
This simple scene( in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) does the best job of showing the rage Snape has towards young Harry and Ron when he enlists to them, the number of misconducts they have committed by practising the underage wizardry irresponsibly. Alan’s stone voice does the trick without much struggle.
The Marauder’s Map
In ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ Snape encounters Harry in the corridors of Hogwarts and they share a heated exchange of words which ends up in Snape insulting Harry’s father for his arrogance. This scene reveals the varied elements of Snape’s character ranging from serious to funny.
The Occlumency lesson
In Harry Potter And Order of Phoenix, when a connection between the Dark Lord and Harry becomes obvious, Snape is given the task of teaching Harry how to protect his mind. The student and professor enter into a fiery argument where Snape insults Harry’s father and Harry gets defensive. In the end, we get a glimpse of how Harry’s father was not, in reality, a great person while he was studying the wizardry.
The Unbreakable Vow
Alan Rickman’s first scene as Snape in ‘ Harry Potter: Half-Blood Prince’ is something that can only be regarded as perfection. Snape plays the role of a loyal Death Eater and is perfect in displaying his honesty about Dumbledore’s character without betraying his loyalty to the headmaster
The Truth about Snape
In Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part 2, as it is finally revealed to Harry what Snape has truly done, from saving Lily from Dumbledore to being devastated upon Lily’s death, Alan Rickman’s performance can only be deemed as next to the outlandish brilliance of an actor.
Surely, the great actor’s presence is missed even today and one of his greatest admirers J.K. Rowling tweeted on on 8th April 2020, “In Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Snape makes his first appearance with his back to the audience. At the dress rehearsal, I saw him in his long black wig and my eyes filled with tears because, for a split second, my irrational heart believed when Snape turned around, I’d see Alan”.