Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alan Rickman: JK Rowling pays tribute to ‘magnificent actor and wonderful man’

Olivia Blair
Thursday 14 January 2016 15:30 GMT
Comments
(Rex)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

JK Rowling has paid tribute to Alan Rickman, calling him a "magnificent actor" and a "wonderful man".

Rickman passed away surrounded by his family after suffering from cancer. His death was confirmed by his relatives in a statement on Thursday.

Rowling said there are no words to express her "shock and devastation" at his passing.

The author sent her condolences to Rickman's partner Rima, who he met at 19, and the rest of his family.

Rickman played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter franchise from 2001 to 2011.

In 2011 Rickman reportedly wrote a letter in Empire magazine which thanked Rowling for her "storytelling".

Alan Rickman's iconic roles

"It is an ancient need to be told stories," he wrote, "But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in