By Sudyen Navarrete//Staff Writter
For many of us he is known as the ‘half-blood prince’ of the Harry Potter series, Professor Severus Snape, portrayed by British actor, Alan Rickman, died at 69 after a battle with cancer.
He died in London and his publicist, Catherine Olim, spoke to the press giving the reason of his death.
Rickman conquered the hearts of many young moviegoers after impersonating the role of the serious, grumpy and mysterious Severus Snape, professor and master of potions at Hogwarts and head of the Slytherin house.
Rickman played Snape amazingly, starting with his villainous-deep voice, to his thoughtful – acted look that always seemed bothered about something. His dedication to this character made him admirable and respected throughout his career as a stage and film actor.
His acting made me want to learn more about Snape such as why was he always so serious, and it helped me reach the conclusion that deep inside Snape was just a good but hurt man for something that went wrong.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street turned out great just with the cast, which included Rickman.
He portrayed Judge Turpin, the antagonist that was madly obsessed with Todd’s wife and daughter. With this movie he showed to viewers more of his acting talents as a stage actor.
Before Harry Potter, and Sweeney Todd he was Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.” He was the mastermind of a terrorist group. It was his first action film and he became well known after the movie’s release.
His roles as a creepy villain gave him the praise and respect he has received over the years. He’s a unique villain with a look that seemed curious, thoughtful, vengeful and good all at the same time.
Rickman began his acting career 40 years ago after he left the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He began his stage acting career in plays such as “ Troilus and Cressida”. In 1972 he had his television debut in “Romeo and Juliet,” he played Tybalt.
He acted on Broadway, directed films, acted on films and even won a golden globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV Film.
Many die-hard fans of Harry Potter respond to Rickman’s death.
“He was an extremely talented actor, not only in Harry Potter but other movies such as ‘Love Actually’ which is one of my favorite films,” said Vanessa Cuadros, a senior broadcast media. “He always played any role perfectly, I’m saddened about his death, he was so good as an actor.”
Many loved his acting because of his antagonism but later came to admire him even more as he turned out to be different than what many expected in the series.
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series shared a memory on her twitter.
“There are 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.”
Rickman took the role of Snape in 2001 after only three books had been published. According to CNN.
He stated that he wasn’t well aware of what the series was about or his character. After almost nine years of playing Snape, Rickman left a memory in every Harry Potter fan, and I’m sure among many other actors he worked with.
As of me, he will forever be remembered as the man who put natural and effortlessly beautiful work into his roles as an actor, especially of Severus Snape.
His character and story will be passed along through generations as fans grow older.
Student, Suyeny Diaz, a senior psychology major and fanatic of the Harry Potter series said, “Alan Rickman is a phenomenal actor in every work that he did. As a Harry Potter fanatic, I wasn’t a fan of Severus Snape in the books,” said Diaz.
“But Rickman brought him to life and made me appreciate the flawed hero. He will truly be missed and thank you for the memories. Rest in Peace, Half-Blood Prince.”
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