Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69 from cancer.

I wanted to write a little something to remember him by for myself, as well as include some bits of his talent just in case anyone’s forgotten about how amazing this man was because I am just incredibly sad and I don’t really know what else to do.

As a child of the Harry Potter era, reading and watching it fervently, going through as many ups and downs as the characters and the actors that I could know about, the most important of Alan Rickman’s roles to me was Professor Snape. He made Snape accessible, funny, steely but gentle, and his motivations complex and understandable to the point where even JK Rowling changed her perception of the character after watching Rickman’s interpretation. Fanfic after fanfic about the softer side of Snape, and the possible misunderstood an maligned nature of the Slytherin house in general, came out full force after his portrayal because of his portrayal.

We all fell in love. I know I did.

He is missed by that cast and Rowling herself.

Good night Mr. Rickman. You will be sorely missed.