Alan Rickman. Information on the actor who plays Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films, including a brief biography and pictures

Alan Rickman

He was born to Irish and Welsh parents in 1946. He attended the the Royal College of Art; he wanted to be a graphic artist. At age 26 he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where he spent 3 years. Started out in the theatrical version of "Dangerous Liaisons" His first major film was Die Hard (1988) where he was cast as Hans Gruber.

Chosen in 1995 by Empire magazine as the 34th Sexiest Star in film history. Ranked 59th in Empire (UK) magazine's October 1997 "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. Although a highly successful film actor, he has frequently passed up film offers to return to the theater. Was given the role of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone only after Tim Roth backed out.