Beloved British actor Alan Rickman has passed away at the age of 69 following a battle with Cancer. Rickman’s death was confirmed by his family on Thursday.

For nearly four decades, Rickman racked up numerous memorable roles, including that of Professor Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” films. He also appeared in well-received features like “Sense and Sensibility,” “Love Actually” and the 2010 incarnation of “Alice in Wonderland.”

Apart from being known for his distinctive baritone voice, Rickman was also widely regarded as someone who could perform as an ultimate villain. As Hans Gruber (“Die Hard”) and Sheriff George of Nottingham (“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,”) Rickman was at his unsavoury best.

That said, he also had some fun along the way, appearing in more light-hearted films like “Dogma” and “Galaxy Quest,” while also lending that aforementioned distinctive voice of his to animated endeavours like the “King of the Hill” animated series and “A Fish Tale.”

Meanwhile, VisionTV has proudly aired a pair of Rickman flicks: “Bottle Shock” and “Truly Madly Deeply” in years past.

Rickman even took the opportunity to get behind the camera and direct the films “A Little Chaos” (starring Kate Winslet) and “The Winter Guest” (starring Emma Thompson.)

“Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye,” reads a statement issued by Thompson.

She continued: “What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. The intransigence which made him the great artist he was—his ineffable and cynical wit, the clarity with which he saw most things, including me, and the fact that he never spared me the view. I learned a lot from him.

“He was the finest of actors and directors. I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do with his face next. I consider myself hugely privileged to have worked with him so many times and to have been directed by him.

“He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely.

“He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again.”

Although Rickman never won an Academy Award, he did take home a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his role as Grigori Rasputin, in “Rasputin.”

When not working on film or TV, Rickman was also a highly regarded theatre actor that starred in productions of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” “The Winter Guest” and “My Name Is Rachel Corrie.”

Rickman will certainly be missed greatly by family, friends and admirers of great cinematic and theatrical talent.

-Adam Grant

There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

Such a lovely, kind, generous, funny and brilliant man. Thank you Alan Rickman for that and for so many flawless performances

— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) January 14, 2016

What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 14, 2016

Alan Rickman. Incredible actor and director. Above all, the most generous, funny, loving friend to us. @Deborra_lee and I will miss you so .

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 14, 2016

I do not want my heroes to die!
Alan Rickman is dead & he was another hero. Alan – thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 14, 2016

we lost a genius
today,
Alan Rickman.
This gentleman
redefined the
big screen villain,
forever.
RIP
©#HansGruber
https://t.co/JCGDAvoywK

— Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) January 14, 2016