Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman (1946–2016) was a British actor and director, known for his deep voice and versatility. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he first established himself in theatre with the Royal Shakespeare Company, gaining international acclaim for his role as the Vicomte de Valmont in *Les Liaisons Dangereuses*. His film career took off with his performance as the antagonist Hans Gruber in *Die Hard* (1988). He consolidated his fame by playing memorable antagonists, such as the Sheriff of Nottingham in *Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves* (1991), a role that earned him a BAFTA Award. Globally, his most celebrated character is Severus Snape in the *Harry Potter* series. His filmography ranges from dramatic roles in *Sense and Sensibility* (1995) to comedies such as *Love Actually* (2003). For his television performance in *Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny* (1996), he won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also directed two films, including *The Winter Guest* (1997).