Alan Rickman, a star of stage and screen, has passed away from cancer at the age of 69.

Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman (Jamie Simonds/Bafta)

Like many British actors, his career began on the stage after he graduated from drama school Rada.

He frequently returned to the stage throughout his career, but we also remember some key movie roles here.

A convincing German baddie

Alan Rickman in Die Hard
Alan Rickman in Die Hard (Rex/Shutterstock)

Alan’s portrayal of villain Hans Gruber in Die Hard opposite star Bruce Willis earned him plaudits in 1988.

Melting hearts in 1990

Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson in 1990
Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson in 1990 (Moviestore/Rex/Shutterstock)

Anthony Minghella’s romantic feature Truly Madly Deeply is a favourite of many. Alan gave a sublime performance as Jamie alongside Juliet Stevenson as Nina.

Stealing the show in 1991

Alan Rickman in 1991
Alan Rickman in 1991 (Everett Collection/Rex/Shutterstock)

Kevin Costner was the star of Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, but Alan stole every scene as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The role deservedly earned him a Bafta as best actor in a supporting role.

Captivating audiences in 1995

Alan Rickman with Emma Thompson and her mother Phyllida Law
Alan Rickman with Emma Thompson and her mother Phyllida Law (Sean Dempsey/PA)

Jane Austen fans approved of Alan’s assured performance as Colonel Brandon in Emma Thompson’s adaptation of Sense And Sensibility.

On stage in 1998

Alan Rickman in 1998
Alan Rickman in 1998 (John Stillwell/PA)

A photocall for the play Anthony And Cleopatra, one of many throughout his illustrious career. Alan was at home on stage or in front of the camera.

Treading the boards

Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan in 2001
Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan in 2001 (Peter Jordan/PA)

Alan as Elyot opposite Lindsay Duncan as Amanda in Noel Coward’s Private Lives in 2001.

Potter magic

Maggie Smith, Miriam Margolyes, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Maggie Smith, Miriam Margolyes, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman in Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets (Warner Bros)

Rickman played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. He’s pictured in 2002 alongside Dame Maggie Smith, Miriam Margolyes and the late Richard Harris.

A success as a cad

Heike Makatsch and Alan Rickman
Heike Makatsch and Alan Rickman (Moviestore/Rex)

In 2003′s Love Actually, Alan’s character Harry fooled around with his secretary Mia played by Heike Makatsch. This film reunited the acclaimed star with Emma Thompson, who played his betrayed wife Karen.

Indie film acclaim

Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver in 2006
Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver in 2006 (Jan Bauer/PA)

Alan alongside US actress Sigourney Weaver at the 56th Berlinale international film festival. Their movie Snow Cake kicked off the 2006 festival.

Turning heads as villain Judge Turpin

Alan Rickman in 2008 at the Sweeney Todd premiere
Alan Rickman in 2008 at the Sweeney Todd premiere (Joel Ryan/PA)

The star joined Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp and Timothy Spall at the premiere of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street in 2008. He played Judge Turpin in the Tim Burton movie.

Helming A Little Chaos

Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman in 2015
Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman in 2015 (Evan Agostini/AP)

Alan directed Kate Winslet in A Little Chaos. He also starred as King Louis XIV in the film, which premiered in the US in 2015.

The award-winning actor completed Alice Through The Looking Glass in which he voices the Blue Caterpillar. The film is due out this year.