The Harry Potter series has been a huge part of many of our childhoods. For me, the first novel was one of the first chapter books I read on my own, and with every additional book came a huge wave of excitement to read about this magical world that seemed so real. As the movies started coming out, our imaginary world of Hogwarts and wizards became even more real, and we began to put faces to the names of the characters that we loved so dearly. While I may not have loved Professor Snape as a youngin', as I grew older and came to the end of the series, both the books and films, I came to realize what a complex, amazing, and wonderful character Snape was, and what an even more wonderful actor Alan Rickman was. This week, Alan Rickman lost his battle with cancer and died at the age of 69. Friends, family, and fans everywhere mourned the loss of such a great, talented actor. As tribute to Alan Rickman's life and career, here are some of the best quotes by both Severus Snape and Alan Rickman and also about Rickman by loving friends.
1. From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
“There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few who cherish… I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.”
2. From Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
“I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter’s son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter —”
3. Rickman in 2008 on the importance of storytelling
“It’s not just work, it’s your life. And it’s a human need to be told stories. The more we’re governed by idiots and have no control over our destinies, the more we need to tell stories to each other about who we are, why we are, where we come from, and what might be possible. Or, what’s impossible? What’s a fantasy?”
4. Daniel Radcliffe on learning of Rickman's passing
"Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass."
5. Rickman in 2011 on laughter
“I think there should be laughs in everything. Sometimes, it’s a slammed door, a pie in the face or just a recognition of our frailties.”
6. Harry Potter speaking of Snape in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
"Albus Severus Potter... you were named for two Headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin, and he was probably the bravest man I've ever known."
7. Rickman in a thank you letter to J.K. Rowling
"Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape than an unchanging costume, and that even though only three of the books were out at that time, she held the entire massive but delicate narrative in the surest of hands."
8. Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
"Mr. Potter. Our new celebrity."
9. J.K. Rowling's tribute to Rickman
“There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman’s death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man,” the author wrote Thursday on Twitter. “My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan’s family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.”
10. Snape on his feelings for Harry Potter
"Always."
Rest in Peace, Alan Rickman. A wonderful actor, that our generation will forever remember as the brave, courageous and loyal Severus Snape.
