This week almost doesn't feel real. We've already lost one legend with David Bowie's passing on Sunday night, and now, the world learns that actor Alan Rickman has died at age 69. It's almost too much to bear. But while we dry our tears and attempt to roll into work and onto the rest of our days, there's something we can do to make it all seem a little better, and that's remember why this death stings so much. Sure, for many of us, Rickman will always be Severus Snape, the double agent working with Voldemort and Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, and who ultimately turned out to be on the right side. But the actor had a long and storied career and he left us with multitudes of Rickman's movie quotes to cherish at a time like this.
Like Bowie, Rickman was ripped from us rather suddenly, at the hands of a secret cancer battle that his fans were completely unaware of. It's hard to be prepared for a loss like this, so hopefully, these words can help bring a little light into this dark morning.
"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few… I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death." - As Snape in Harry Potter And The Socerer's Stone
No one on this earth could deliver this line and make it as absolutely brilliant as Rickman did.
“By Grabthar’s hammer…what a savings.” - As Dr. Lazarus in Galaxy Quest
While watching Rickman in a serious performance was always an absolute treat, nothing tickles me quite as much as seeing him take his serious acting style to a goofy comedy setting.
"What can I do?" - Colonel Brandon "Colonel, you have done so much already... " - Elinor"Give me an occupation, Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad." - Colonel Brandon, Sense and Sensibility
Yes, sometimes, Rickman made us swoon too.
"Tell me, exactly, how long it is that you’ve been working here?" - Harry"Two years, seven months, three days and, I suppose, what… two hours?" - Sarah"And how long have you been in love with Karl, our enigmatic chief designer?" - Harry, Love Actually
Sometimes, Rickman was the perfect know-it-all who didn't even make you all that mad he was calling you out.
"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Tell me, are you incapable of restraining yourself, or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?" - Snape, Harry Potter
I mean. The man had a way.
"Always." - Snape, Harry Potter
If that didn't just turn you into a puddle of tears, you should probably go fire up the Harry Potter movies right about now.
