We were heartbroken to find out that beloved English actor Alan Rickman passed away after a battle with cancer. Though he burst on to the scene opposite Bruce Willis in 1988’s Die Hard, a new generation came to love and revere him as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter saga. Many of Rickman’s friends and adoring fans including J.K. Rowling, have taken to social media to express their absolute devastation over his passing.
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.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016
In celebration of his life, here are his best moments as Professor Severus Snape. Rest in peace Alan Rickman, we adore you, Always.
1. Professor Snape was utterly unimpressed with Harry’s fame.
He first introduced himself to Harry by saying, “Mr Potter. Our new celebrity. Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” And then he humiliated The Boy Who Lived, by showing him just how little he knew.
2. He had no qualms about putting his students in their place.
Even if it meant going upside their heads or shaming Hermione, the brightest witch of her age, “That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.”
3. He was always trying to warn Harry, even when it seemed like he was against him.
“You’ll want to be careful…people might thing you’re up to something.”
4. He always kept you guessing.
Professor Severus Snape is one of the most multifaceted characters in all of literature. Not only does this say so much about J.K. Rowling’s exquisite writing, but it also shows just how masterful an actor Rickman truly was. One of our favorite quotes is Snape telling Harry, “I do not take cheek from anyone, Potter… not even ‘the Chosen One.'”
6. He’s the reason why Harry made it out alive.
Despite outward appearances, it was Snape who had Harry’s back from day one. If Snape wouldn’t have been looking out for Harry, he wouldn’t have made it though his first year at Hogwarts. This is why HP named one of his sons Albus Severus.
5. He was the hero of the Harry Potter franchise.
Not only did he gave the balls to infiltrate the Death Eaters and go against Lord Voldemort, he even gathers the courage to see through his promise to Dumbledore; killing him when the time came.
We know this is absolutely terrible news for Alan Rickman and Harry Potter fans but please remember,
“To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.”- Albus Dumbledore.
Here are Snape’s most important scenes throughout the franchise in chronological order.
