Tributes have been flooding in from friends and colleagues in the film and theatre field for one of Britain’s finest actors Alan Rickman.

Rickman died of cancer at the young age of 69 and comparisons have already been made with David Bowie’s untimely death who also lost his battle with cancer this week.

Many people will always associate Rickman with the role of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies. Harry Potter actor and friend of Alan Rickman wrote this heartfelt message:

“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.
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.” Daniel Radcliffe

Here are some of the Best Movie moments from some of my favourite Alan Rickman films:

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Die Hard (1988) Heist / Hostage siege movie.
Character: Hans Gruber (villain) opposite Bruce Willis’s NY cop John McClane
This was Rickman’s first US movie and he certainly made an impact.

John McClane: You'd have made a pretty good cowboy yourself, Hans.
Hans Gruber: Oh, yes. What was it you said to me before? "Yippie-ki-yay, mother******."
Hans Gruber: This time John Wayne does not walk off into the sunset with Grace Kelly. John McClane: That was Gary Cooper, asshole.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) Re-telling of the Robin Hood Legend.
Character: Sheriff of Nottingham opposite Kevin Costner’s Robin.
Most memorable line:
Talking about what he will do to Robin Hood
Sheriff of Nottingham: I’ll cut his heart out with a spoon!
Guy of Gisborne: Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an axe?
Sheriff of Nottingham: Because it's DULL, you twit. It'll hurt more.
Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Galaxy Quest (1999) Star Trek style comedy spoof.
Character: Sir Alexander Drake (Shakespearean Actor) AKA Dr. Lazaras opposite Tim Allen’s Jason Nesmith (TV Actor)

Sir Alexander Dane: You're just going to have to figure out what it wants. What is its motivation?
Jason Nesmith: It's a rock monster. It doesn't have motivation.
Sir Alexander Dane: See, that's your problem, Jason. You were never serious about the craft.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone (2001) Fantasy Adventure.
Character: Professor Severus Snape testing Harry in the classroom
Professor Severus Snape: You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?
Harry: I don't know, sir.
Professor Severus Snape: And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?
Harry: I don't know, sir.
Professor Severus Snape: Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter?

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Love Actually (2003) Love story concentrating on eight different couples.
Character: Harry who is having an affair but married to Karen (Emma Thomson)
Harry: To Rufus (Rowan Atkinson) the gift-wrapper. “NO! No bloody holly!”

Over the years Rickman won a Golden Globe, Emmy and Bafta.

His fans have already set up a memorial beneath platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station in London.

He will be missed. R.I.P Alan Rickman.