London:
Daniel Radcliffe grew up as the star of the
Harry Potter films, living out the first years of his career surrounded by some of the most established names in British acting. One of those actors: Alan Rickman, whose death at the age of 69 was confirmed by his family on Thursday.
In a touching tribute, Daniel wrote of Mr Rickman's influence on his own career, during and beyond those first Potter years. "I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career," he wrote.
The note was posted to Daniel's
Google Plus page, and reads:
"Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest 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 (or downright scary) 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. (Also Read:
Alan Rickman, The 'Funny, Generous' Man Behind Severus Snape's Mask)
As an actor he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child. Working with him at such a formative age was incredibly important and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career. Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man."
Mr Rickman played Professor Severus Snape in all eight of the
Harry Potter films. His performance captured and elevated the complexities of the mysterious character in J K Rowling's novels. (Also Read:
Alan Rickman, Harry Potter's Severus Snape, Dies at 69)
Ms Rowling also expressed sadness at Mr Rickman's death on Twitter Thursday:
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