Alan Rickman of Harry Potter fame dies at 69

British actor Alan Rickman passed away today, on January 14, reported The Guardian. He was 69.

The actor was widely known even in the earlier part of his career, but he shot to global recognition among the younger lot due to his portrayal of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter film.

He also starred in cult classics like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where he played the sheriff of Nottingham, though it was his work in theater that really garnered critical acclaim.

According to BBC, a family statement said: "The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends."

His friends and fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor's legacy: