British actor Alan Rickman dies age 69 after cancer battle
By Sylvie Metcalfe
January 14, 2016, 12:47 pmUpdated: January 14, 2016, 1:49 pm
Alan Rickman (PA Images)
The star was battling cancer and passed away in London with his family around him.
Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner also confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: “Devastated by the news that my friend, the wonderful actor Alan Rickman, has died of cancer at the age of 69”.
The much-loved British actor first shot to stardom in 1988 when he played Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis’s adversary, in Die Hard.
He gained legions of fans for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.
Alan Rickman with Harry Potter cast members (Getty Images)
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.”
