Alan Rickman was a British actor and director, born on February 21, 1946, in London, England. He was known for his distinctive voice and versatile acting skills, which allowed him to portray a wide range of characters in film, television, and theater. Rickman gained international fame for his roles in movies such as Die Hard, where he played the villain Hans Gruber, and the Harry Potter series, where he portrayed Severus Snape. In addition to his film work, Rickman had a successful career in theater, performing in various productions, including those at the Royal Shakespeare Company. He received numerous awards for his performances, including a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe nomination. Alan Rickman passed away on January 14, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.