Alan Rickman of ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Fame Dies at 69

Alan Rickman, best known for his roles as iconic movie villains, has passed away after a battle with cancer.

According to the BBC, Rickman, 69, was surrounded by family and friends when he passed away.

Rickman, born February 21, 1946, in London, began his career in British theater, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, before becoming one of the most recognized faces and voices in cinema.

We’ll always remember him as Hans Gruber from ‘Die Hard’, the Sheriff of Nottingham in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, and, of course, the dark and tragically romantic antihero of the Harry Potter world, Severus Snape. But he wasn't always a bad guy, and we'll always love the softer side we saw in 'Love Actually' and 'Dogma'.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this brilliant performer. He’ll be sorely missed.