So long, Alan Rickman. We'll miss you, Professor Snape. Always

Alan Rickman, the British actor who received unfathomable global adulation for his portrayal of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movie franchise, has died. He was 69.

Rickman, an ardent theatre performer and a politically active Englishman, was suffering from cancer, when he succumbed to the disease earlier today.

Known for his spectacular stints in big budget films such as Harry Potter and Die Hard, Rickman also essayed superlative roles in British movies such as Close My Eyes (1991), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Truly, Madly, Deeply (1991), Love, Actually (2003), The Winter Guest (1997) as well as A Little Chaos (2015).  

Rickman was also a consummate stage actor, putting together, acting in and directing a number of plays. Passionate about international politics, he co-wrote and produced (with The Guardian's current editor Katherine Viner) the award-winning play My Name is Rachel Corrie, based on the emails of a young girl who was mowed down by a bulldozer while protesting against the atrocities of the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.    

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.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

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

Devastated by the news that my friend, the wonderful actor Alan Rickman, has died of cancer at the age of 69 https://t.co/ySoxJ5Hg34

— Katharine Viner (@KathViner) January 14, 2016

I am so so so sad about Alan Rickman. I carry this advice with me forever. What a brilliant man, what a loss. pic.twitter.com/DkKq4kllS2

— Jessie Thompson (@jessiecath) January 14, 2016

RIP Alan Rickman - a giant in the world of film and theatre. pic.twitter.com/B5e1llzJcz

— Michael Clarke (@Mr_Mike_Clarke) January 14, 2016

Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time

— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016

Having to write about Alan Rickman so soon after Bowie has been awful. What a terrible start to 2016

— Peter Bradshaw (@PeterBradshaw1) January 14, 2016

So sad and shocking to hear about Alan Rickman. Truly a giant and a gent. His eyes always twinkled, and that voice...

— David Miliband (@DMiliband) January 14, 2016

Very sad to hear that Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the greatest actors of his generation. My thoughts are with his family & friends

— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) January 14, 2016

He was a lifelong member of the Labour party, saying he was born with a Labour card in his pocket!

Really sad to hear about Alan Rickman. Brilliant actor, deeply principled man. My heart goes out to Rima and his family.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) January 14, 2016

One of his memorable lines reads: "Talent is an accident of genes, and a responsibility."