We’re saddened to report that beloved British actor Alan Rickman has passed away aged 69. He became an icon to bookworms everywhere for his portrayal of the sarcastic Professor Snape, the potions master at Hogwarts. Throughout the films he played Harry Potter’s teacher and nemesis, imbuing Snape with a sense of tragedy and loneliness that provided a second heart to the films.

JK Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books, tweeted:

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

Rickman also brought to life Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility & the Sherriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood. Time and again he humanised characters we all love and made them real. He will be greatly missed.