Alan Rickman bio, career path, young photos, family, wife, children, cause and age of death

Alan Rickman's Biography

Alan Rickman was a British stage and film actor who captivated audiences worldwide with his iconic roles in the action thriller "Die Hard," romantic comedy "Love Actually," and the Harry Potter film series. He was a winner of the Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.

Childhood and Family

Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman was born on February 21, 1946, in London, to an Irish father and a Welsh mother. His father may have worked in a factory, but he was also a skilled artist, while his mother, a homemaker, possessed a beautiful singing voice.

The family was relatively poor. In addition to Alan, the Rickmans had three other children: older brother David (born 1944), younger brother Michael (born 1947), and sister Sheila (born 1949).

The family adhered to strict parenting principles. As Alan recalled, "Children should be seen, but not heard." None of his immediate family members particularly encouraged his interest in theater. Alan would later describe his talent as "purely accidental." Still, he always emphasized that his parents were wonderful people who gave him nothing but love and support.

Alan's father died of cancer in 1954 when Alan was just eight years old. The other children were nine, seven, and five. Losing the family's sole breadwinner devastated everyone.

Though deeply affected by losing his father, Alan's strong bond with his mother kept him from falling into despair. Determined to ease his mother's burden, he helped around the house and made sure not to cause her any extra trouble. Alan also focused intently on his studies, aiming to be the best student in his class. His hard work paid off when he won a scholarship to the prestigious Latymer School in London. It was there that he developed an interest in drama and made his first appearance on stage in a school production.

Early Steps to Success

Alan Rickman first took the stage in a student production of "King Grizzly Beard," then threw himself into countless other school plays. In 1962, after performing in "The Caucasian Chalk Circle," his mentor, Tyner Glyn, said, "Alan, your voice is your guide to life." Even then, everyone around Rickman could see he was a natural.

Imagine his family's shock when, after high school, Alan said, 'Drama doesn't seem like a practical choice,' and enrolled in Chelsea College of Arts instead.

After finishing college in 1964, Rickman and some friends founded a design firm in Soho. Though Alan claimed he was "having a great time," the business wasn't making money.

Alan Rickman graduated from the College of Arts

But Rickman felt increasingly pulled back to his original dream: professional acting. Finally, in 1972, 26-year-old Alan decided to go back to school—this time at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He was accepted on his first try and even landed a royal scholarship. He won several awards as an aspiring actor, including the Emile Littler Prize, the Forbes Robertson Prize, and the Bancroft Gold Medal.

Alan Rickman performed in plays by Ibsen, Brecht, and Shakespeare

But success didn't come immediately after graduating. Rickman toured England performing in plays by Ibsen, Brecht, and Shakespeare. In 1981, he even traveled to the Soviet Union with a production of "The Brothers Karamazov." Alan Rickman took whatever work he could find and kept honing his craft for years.

Finally, his big break came with the role of Valmont in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," where he completely won over English audiences. Audiences loved him so much they started buying posters of Rickman—the first time in London theater history that play posters became an actual revenue stream.

Alan Rickman in the play 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses'

In 1986, the production moved to Broadway, and in 1987, Alan Rickman received the New York Critics Circle Award. Rickman became an American theater sensation. He caught the attention of producer Joel Silver, who offered him a film role in "Die Hard."

Career Peak

"Die Hard," John McTiernan's 1988 action thriller about terrorists taking over a skyscraper, launched Alan Rickman into Hollywood stardom.

Before filming began, Alan had doubts. At 42, he was about to make his big-screen debut. His main co-star was none other than Bruce Willis. Rickman had to portray the main villain, a role he excelled in. Later, he'd complain he was practically working "for free." According to Rickman, Willis's hefty $7 million paycheck meant producers had to hire other actors willing to work for peanuts.

Favorite Scene of Alan Rickman from Die Hard

In the long run, though, Rickman hit the jackpot. "Die Hard" quickly became an action classic, with critics debating who stole the show: Bruce as the hero or Alan as his cunning adversary. Rickman later joked that fame had typecast him as "that bad guy," but more roles quickly followed. In 1989, he landed a role in Pat O'Connor's "The January Man," working alongside established stars Kevin Kline and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

By 1991, he was juggling multiple projects: the thriller "Closet Land," romantic drama "Truly Madly Deeply," and the intense "Close My Eyes." His co-stars included Clive Owen, Madeleine Stowe, and Juliet Stevenson.

Young Alan Rickman in Girls On Top (1985)

But it was his scene-stealing turn as the deliciously villainous sheriff in Kevin Reynolds's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" that really grabbed attention. Rickman found himself competing for audience love against Kevin Costner's Robin Hood.

Alan Rickman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

In 1995, Rickman finally got to play a romantic hero in the adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility." Screenwriter and friend Emma Thompson convinced producers that Rickman would be perfect for the role. Some critics felt Rickman was almost too convincing, making his character "too good" to be true. Fans disagreed, and Rickman earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Top 10 Alan Rickman Performances

In 1996, Rickman won both an Emmy and Golden Globe for his mesmerizing portrayal of the controversial Russian mystic in "Rasputin." Rickman accepting his Golden Globe.

That same year, Rickman made his directorial debut with "The Winter Guest," Sharman Macdonald's intimate family drama. His directorial debut made waves, winning two awards at the Venice Film Festival.

Regarding his acting career, Rickman continued to accumulate dozens of impressive roles. Notable films from that period include the thriller "Judas Kiss" by Sebastian Gutierrez, the war drama "Michael Collins" by Neil Jordan, the comedy "Dogma" by Kevin Smith, and the drama "Blow Dry" by Paddy Breathnach, among others.

Golden Globes 1997 Alan Rickman Wins Best Actor For Rasputin

In 2000, Rickman entered a new creative chapter when he took on the role of Severus Snape, head of Slytherin House in the "Harry Potter" film series. J.K. Rowling, author of the original novels, personally invited him to take the role. Rowling knew she couldn't find anyone better for the part.

J.K. Rowling personally invited Rickman to the role of Severus Snape

While Rickman was already popular before the first Harry Potter film, he became a cult figure afterward. The Potter series launched many young careers — Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and others. But they all emphasized how important it was to work with Alan Rickman on set.

Alan Rickman Behind the Scenes of Harry Potter

Despite his villainous roles, Rickman was always reserved, polite, and generous with advice to newcomers."Alan is one of the most dedicated and sensitive people in the film industry," said Daniel Radcliffe about his colleague.

Between 2006 and 2012, directors like Marc Evans ("Snow Cake"), Tom Tykwer ("Perfume"), Tim Burton ("Sweeney Todd"), and Michael Hoffman ("Gambit") all cast Rickman in major and supporting roles.

In 2013, Alan Rickman thrilled fans by starring in "CBGB," playing the legendary musician and owner of the iconic New York club. He shared the screen with Ashley Greene, Stana Katic, and Rupert Grint. The film received praise from both devoted fans of Rickman and numerous film critics.

In 2013, Alan Rickman pleased fans with his participation in the film CBGB

Beyond his undeniable acting talent, Rickman possessed another natural gift: an unusually smooth, deep voice and perfect English pronunciation. It's no wonder he earned the nickname "The Voice" in the film industry. Alan was frequently cast to voice animated films and video games. One of his final voice roles was in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" (2010), where he voiced the famous caterpillar, Absolem.

Alice in Wonderland - Absolem

In 2016, Rickman's final voice performance was released in "Alice Through the Looking Glass," the sequel to "Alice in Wonderland." In this film, Alan Rickman once again voiced Absolem, who had transformed from a caterpillar into a butterfly.

Personal Life of Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman was often called "the last Hollywood monogamist." He met his future and only wife, Rima Horton, in 1965 when he was 19 and she was 18. What started as a chance meeting blossomed into a love that sustained them through 51 years together.

Rickman met his future and only wife Rima in 1965

Rima has always been a woman with liberal views. In her youth, she ran for Parliament as a Labour candidate. She made teaching economics her life's calling.

The couple always led a very private life. Rickman preferred to keep his personal life private. They finally tied the knot in 2012, after 47 years together. Alan's take on their wedding was simple: "It was wonderful because there were no guests."

Rima made the decision not to have children, a choice that Alan supported: "The fact that I have no children gives me the freedom to work."

Illness and Death

In 2015, just months after their wedding, Rima and Alan received devastating news about the actor's health. Doctors delivered a pancreatic cancer diagnosis with a grim prognosis.

Alan Rickman passed away on January 14, 2016. A memorial service was held two weeks later at St. Paul's Church, also known as "the actors' church," in London. Only close friends and family attended the servi

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