Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape (Photo/NCM)
Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman is a British actor and theatre director from England. Alan Rickman is known for his performances in film as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series. This fine actor turned 64 on February 21, 2010.
Rickman is also a renowned stage actor in modern and classical productions and a former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and known for his prominent roles as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 blockbuster film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, as Colonel Brandon in the Oscar-winning 1995 Sense and Sensibility and Judge Turpin in Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Galaxy Quest (1999) with Sigourney Weaver, Tim Allen, Tony Shalhoub...
At the young age of eight Rickman's father died, leaving his mother to bring up four children mostly alone. As a lad, Rickman excelled at calligraphy and watercolour painting, and from Derwentwater Junior School he won a scholarship to Latymer Upper School in London, where he became involved in drama.
After leaving Latymer Rickman attended Chelsea College of Art and Design and made his way as a graphic designer, which he considered a more stable occupation than acting.
Drama school wasn't considered the sensible thing to do at 18." - Alan Rickman
Rickman received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) which he attended from 1972–1974. While there, he studied Shakespeare's works and supported himself working as a dresser for Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Sir Ralph Richardson.
In addition to a long line of films under Rickman's belt he has been considered to be the ideal voice. He has been considered to be one of the best contenders - his voice along with Jeremy Irons's was deemed the perfect male voice based on intonation, trustworthiness, and soothingness.
Harry Potter links to Rickman and talent he has worked with: Acting talent in Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter's lead characters, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, J. K. Rowling, more of Harry Potter
Comments
best bad guy ever!
Alan Rickman is the most brilliant, multi-faceted actor around, light years more than the journalistically overworn "bad guy" catch phrase. Thankfully the article and imbedded videos say more than the headline would imply.
Love him!!!!! He is the best bad guy ever!!! =)
The best not just as bad guys! A wonderfully complete actor!
We Love Alan!
Get this guy an Oscar for Harry Potter!!
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