Entertainment
With his death at 69, the performances of Alan Rickman are becoming even more iconic and necessary to the entire entertainment industry. He was an incredible talent, starting his career off in the London theater circuit before making his way to Hollywood with his role as villain Hans Gruber in 1988's Die Hard, according to The Guardian.
Rickman once said, "I'm the character you're not supposed to like," referencing his long list of villains and difficult roles in film. It's a testament to his talent and hard work that despite playing some terrifying, creepy individuals, Rickman was still able to shine in romantic comedies like Love Actually and period romances like Romeo and Juliet and Sense and Sensibility. While many believe Rickman has been completely snubbed by the Academy Awards over the years (and I have to agree), his performances are still incredibly powerful and will continue to become legendary and immortalized after his death.
For those who have only known him as Professor Severus Snape, prepare to have your mind blown. It speaks volumes of his talent that Rickman could play one of the most iconic characters of all time, but still take on completely different roles without a trace of Snape left in his new portrayal. It's time for fans to have a binge, so in honor of one of the greatest actors of all time, here are 13 of Alan Rickman's best performances (in no particular order) that have — and will continue to — stand the test of time.
1
Hans Gruber In 'Die Hard'
As the villain opposite Bruce Willis in 1988's Die Hard, Rickman was diabolical, evil, and a criminal mastermind. He is pretty terrifying as Hans, believe it or not, and sends shivers down my spine when he's angry. It was the role that really put him on the map and is one you definitely need to watch again and again.
2
Sheriff Of Nottingham In 'Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves'
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was one of my favorites as a kid and a large part of that is because of Rickman's role as Sheriff of Nottingham. He won a BAFTA award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal and it was totally warranted. Again, he was a total baddie, and the critics absolutely loved him in the film, despite the movie itself not getting a great review.
3
Colonel Brandon In 'Sense And Sensibility'
Yes, fangirls. Alan Rickman was in a Jane Austen film. You'll forget that he was ever a villain when you watch him play Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility.
4
Cheshire Cat In 'Alice In Wonderland'
He may have only been a voice, but Rickman's portrayal of the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland is one of the best parts of Tim Burton's 2010 adaptation. His voice will give you absolute chills.
5
Phil Allen In 'Blow Dry'
Alan Rickman as a hairdresser? Yes, it's as amazing as you think. Blow Dry is absolutely hilarious and I refuse to give any more information. Watch it. Now.
6
Ronald Reagan In 'The Butler'
A British actor portraying one of the most well known American presidents may sound like a tough performance, and I'm sure it was, but Rickman makes it look incredibly easy in The Butler. It will blow you away.
7
Judge Turpin In 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street'
Playing a corrupt judge in Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street was a classic by Rickman. Another villainous role alongside other creepy, terrifying characters, he deserves all the praise for this musical and his singing.
8
Harry In 'Love Actually'
OK, he's not the most noble character in Love Actually, but his story is still one of the most heartbreaking in the film as he plays Emma Thompson's husband, Harry. His range of emotions in this movie is so compelling and will honestly make you cry at some points.
9
Alexander Dane In 'Galaxy Quest'
With some other great actors (Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver), Galaxy Quest is the story of the cast of an old sci-fi television show being taken over by aliens, who think their television show is actually a historical documentary. It is hilarious and a huge change from Rickman's more popular roles.
10
Metatron In 'Dogma'
If you're a Kevin Smith fan, then you probably already know about Rickman's portrayal of Metatron in 1999's Dogma. As the Voice of God, Rickman had some of the most quotable lines in the film and was insanely funny.
11
Tybalt In 'Romeo & Juliet'
A 1978 TV-movie adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet may not be your favorite version of the tragedy, but it stars Alan Rickman as Tybalt and he had some fabulous scenes.
12
Jamie In 'Truly Madly Deeply'
After his death, Rickman's character Jamie returns to his girlfriend Nina as a ghost, reconciling their relationship. But it doesn't take long for his behavior to drive a wedge between them, creating a lot of tension. You need to see Truly Madly Deeply to know what all of it means and I promise you, you won't be disappointed. It's pretty moving.
