Alan Rickman tributes from the cast of Harry Potter

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Alan Rickman in Harry PotterImage source, Warner Bros

The cast of Harry Potter have been sharing their memories of Alan Rickman online.

The actor, who's remembered as playing Professor Snape in the film series, has died after a battle with cancer.

He was one of Britain's best loved actors appearing in Love Actually, Die Hard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

A family statement read: "The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends."

JK Rowling wrote on Twitter: 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., external

She continued: My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts., external

Image source, Google
Image source, Daniel Radcliffe
Image caption,

"I like this photo. It was taken, if I'm not mistaken, while rehearsing a scene where Alan clipped me and Rupert round the back of a head with a book. We all, apparently, found this hard to do without laughing" - Daniel Radcliffe

Emma Watson wrote on Facebook, external: "I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you."

Rupert Grint gave this statement: "I am devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman, I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him on numerous occasions- Even though he has gone- I will always hear his voice. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."

The twin brothers who played Fred and George Weasley shared their memories of Alan Rickman on Twitter.

Oliver Phelps wrote: Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP., external

James Phelps wrote: Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met. Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time., external

It seems he helped a lot of the young Harry Potter actors on set.

Matthew Lewis who played Neville Longbottom said "he inspired my career more than he ever knew".

He posted on Instagram: I was at Leavesden Studios today when I heard the news. As I walked through the canteen I thought of Alan queuing up for his lunch with us mere mortals. I recalled the trailer in which he offered me some of the greatest advice I ever received about this mad profession we shared. Being back in those corridors made me remember a lot of things and I will treasure those memories all my life. He inspired my career more than he ever knew and I'll miss him., external

Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley gave this statement: "As a young actor I was incredibly fortunate to have worked with Alan and be exposed to his graceful methods. He had that rare ability to shift the energy of a set the moment he walked on. I will never forget his deep, measured and theatrical voice. He will be missed by the Potter family."

She also posted an image on Instagram.

The caption said: Alan. The energy shifted every time you walked onto set. You were an inspiration to us all. RIP, external

The actors who played Seamus Finnigan, Luna Lovegood and Percy Weasley also tweeted their tributes.

Devon Murray wrote: Today a friend, a role model and a truly amazing person lost his battle. I have so many good memories. #Always #RipAlanRickman, external

Evanna Lynch wrote: Am not prepared for a world without Alan Rickman. Such a beautiful soul. He was so kind & generous in the moments he wasn't Snaping about., external

She continued: I'll also never forget how scary it was to accidentally bump into him as Snape. And how he made us love Snape so much!❤️Rest in peace, Alan., external

Chris Rankin wrote: Just had awful news of Alan Rickman's death. Utterly devastated. Nothing more to say at this time., external

The Hogwarts teaching staff also wanted to remember Alan Rickman publicly.

Image source, Alamy

Emma Thompson, as Professor Trelawney, worked on Harry Potter but she also played Alan Rickman's wife in Love Actually.

She said: "Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye.

"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."

Warwick Davies played Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher., external

The actor who played Professor Dumbledore spoke about his friend's death.

He said: "I can hardly speak. It's such a shock. He was always happy and fun. I could never be with him in Harry Potter and keep a straight face. I laughed all the time."

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