So many tributes are being made to Alan Rickman at this point in time. They focus on certain quotes he said and his scenes in films. He is one of the most beloved actors around the world, but what is it that really made us all care so much about his passing? The point of this article isn't to make a tribute to him; it's more to really put into words why he was one of the greatest. It's to explain why so many fans around the world are making these tributes.
For those who don't know, Alan Rickman was a British actor who starred in multiple movies like "Love Actually," "Robin Hood," "Die Hard," and "A Little Chaos." These were all brilliant films. However, I would say that "Harry Potter" is what really put him on the map for all generations. He was the person who brought Professor Snape to life. Without him, the pauses and tone of every single word that came out of his mouth would not have been the same. Professor Snape would have been a completely different character in the films. I focus so much on "Harry Potter" because it is one of my favorites. It's also what today's generation really knows him for. He dedicated around 10 years of his life to the series, touching the lives of many.
As a character in a film, Professor Snape was a person everyone could relate to in some way. He wasn't just a villain. He was a person who represented the times when people felt alone for whatever reason. He gave all Harry Potter fans hope that people aren't whom they appear to be. Snape became a hero in the end. I think that is the reason people around the world are heartbroken about the news of his death. He brought people's most favorite character life. It caused us to grow attached to him.
I admire him for his work. In the final movie, his speech given at Hogwarts was basically improvised. The scriptwriters gave him the words; however, he put in the pauses. That speech was one of the greatest scenes in the final film. He added meaning to every single word. His tone and the form by which he delivered the monologue gave me goosebumps. He really was one of the greatest.
When you're that talented, it's easy to let it get to you. Rickman had the reputation of doing the exact opposite. The other actors who worked alongside him always said that he was actually funny. The young actors in Harry Potter were intimidated by him, but he taught them many things.
Daniel Radcliffe stated that Rickman was the first to "treat him like a peer instead of a child." He paid tribute by saying, "Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also one of the most loyal and most supportive people I've ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I'm pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn't have to do that. I know other people who've been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say 'if you call Alan, it doesn't matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he's doing, he'll get back to you within a day. People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass."
There was even a time when he joked with young Rupert Grint. Apparently, the actor who played Ron created a drawing of Rickman that wasn't very flattering. Rickman was right behind him and young Rupert was petrified. Rickman was quite fond of the drawing, kept it and made Rupert sign it.
Other actors, like Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), have also had a moment with Alan. I think this is what makes people love him even more. Like Radcliffe said, it's easy to fall in love with a character, but seeing how he would treat others makes people happy. He was a great role model all around. That is what makes him one of the best: the fact that he made fans fall in love with him through his talent, but also made those he knew (along with the fans) admire and love him with how he treated others.
Alan Rickman, you will ALWAYS be remembered and missed.
