Exeter University graduate J.K Rowling has tweeted her respects following the death of actor Alan Rickman earlier today.
Best known for his phenomenal portrayal of Professor Snape in Harry Potter, Rowling described him as a ‘magnificent actor & wonderful man’.
The actor sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 69 after fighting cancer.
Rickman made a name for himself as the ‘villain’ of Hollywood, starring in many award-winning films to huge success, winning both a BAFTA and Golden Globe during his career.
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
Rowling also tweeted her support for Rickman’s family and for Rima Horton, Rickman’s life-long partner and recent wife, whom he married just last year even though the couple had known each other since they were teenagers.
Eddie Izzard, Stephen Fry, Tom Fletcher, Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn were also among those who voiced their respects and sadness in the passing of this talented individual.
Rickman will be in two movies which are coming out this year: Eye In The Sky as ‘Lieutenant General’ and Alice Through The Looking Glass as ‘Caterpillar’.
Rickman passed away in hospital, surrounded by his family and friends.