Tributes have begun pouring in from the world of celebrity, politics and those closest to Alan Rickman, after his death was announced on Thursday.
British actor Alan Rickman died at the age of 69 at his home in London after suffering with cancer.
A statement was released, saying; 'The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.'
One of the first tributes was from fellow film and theatre actor, Stephen Fry who posted to his Twitter page within an hour of the news breaking.
Starring in a variety of films and theatre, Alan was always famous for his spectacular villains, finding a new generation of fans in J.K Rowling's Harry Potter, who also took to her social media accounts to share her grief.
Not only JK Rowling, but many of his Harry Potter co-stars also took the opportunity to share their thoughts on the late star.
Daniel Radcliffe who played the lead role in the Harry Potter franchise, wrote a moving piece on his Google Plus page.
The 26-year-old said; '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...film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man. '
Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom posted a heartfelt personal memory to his Instagram page explaining how he was at Leavesden Studios, where the Harry Potter filming took place, when he heard the news.
Co-star Emma Watson, who played Hermione Grainger in the wizarding films, wrote on her Facebook page; 'I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.'
Alan with the cast of Harry Potter
Another of his more recent roles was opposite Emma Thompson in Love Actually, but the pair first worked together in a production of Sense and Sensibility in 1995 and remained close friends.
Emma Thompson said; ' Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye. What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom, and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word.
'He was the finest of actors and directors...He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely.'
A life-long supporter of the Labour Party - Alan once said he 'was born a card-carrying member of the Labour Party' - Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has tweeted his condolences to one of the 'greatest actors of his generation'.
Alan leaves behind his wife Rima Horton, who he married in 2015 in a civil ceremony in New york. The couple had been in a relationship since 1965, when Alan was 19-years-old. They have no children.
The pair have been living together since 1977 out of the spotlight as Rima is an economics lecturer at Kingston University.
Alan with his wife Rima
The award winning actor first shot to fame in 1988 in the Die Hard trilogy when he starred as Hans Gruber - Bruce Willis's sworn enemy - a part he was offered only two days after arriving in Los Angeles, aged 41, such was his acting talent.
He later played an outrageous sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the 1991 version, as well as Rasputin in an acclaimed 1995 HBO film.
Alan's most recent role in Alice Through The Looking Glass is still in production and will now be released post-homously.
Other notable actors and celebrities from around the world have posted their own kinds words about Alan and his career.
Even pop stars have something positive to say about the legendary actor.
Whilst Piers Morgan mourned the loss of not just Alan Rickman but David Bowie, who died earlier this week, also at the age of 69 from cancer.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
