Raise Your Wand In Memoriam for Snape

Photo provided by Creative Commons

Born February 21, 1946

Died January 14, 2016

Alan Rickman was a great actor, but there was more to his life than the big screen. He was a brother to David Rickman, Michael Rickman, and Sheila Rickman and was also a husband to Rima Horton. As a young man, Rickman headed off to college with an interest in graphic design. At the age of 25 he was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He always had a desire to act, but felt there were roads he needed to experience before he choose the life of acting.

There is no denying that Alan Rickman led a successful life. He took on many different acting positions throughout his life such as his role in the movie “Die Hard” (1988), “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991), and was best known for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies (2001-2011).

Upon Rickman’s arrival in Hollywood, he was offered the script for the movie “Die Hard,” after being there for only two days. At first, he was reluctant to pursue this avenue, however he took the job and even changed the script a bit with his background in theater. This role became one of his most memorable villainous character. He won a British Academy Film and Television (BAFTA) award for a supporting actor in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and a Golden Globe in 1997 for best actor in the HBO biopic “Rasputin.”

Even with these great accomplishments, Rickman will always be most known for his recent role of Professor Severus Snape, the potions master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Snape is portrayed as a villain and it is obvious from day one that he distances himself from Harry and seems to hate him. In the end, the truth is revealed. He was the greatest wizard of all, for he was the one who played the double role as spy. He fooled Voldemort and continued to fool him through all the years. It is revealed that Severus had loved Harry’s mother, Lily, and protects Harry through his years at Hogwarts.

In August, 2015 Rickman suffered a minor stroke. While his stroke might have been minor, it led to the diagnosis of a bigger threat: pancreatic cancer, devastating news to all that knew him. Through his battle with cancer, his loving wife stood by his side as well as thoughts and prayers from his fans. Unfortunately, Rickman lost his battle on Jan. 14, 2016.

For his fans, Rickman’s legacy will live on through the legendary movies that have become part of our culture as well as new releases that are set to be released in the near future. Before he passed, Rickman was given a role in an upcoming film called “Eye in the Sky” set to be released in March 2016. In addition, he has a voice-over role in the upcoming work “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” Even though Rickman is gone, he will never be forgotten. He will live on through his various acting roles and the upcoming films. Here we take time to raise our wands in memory of Alan Rickman.

“Even after all this time?”

“Always.”