Alan Rickman was born on February 21, 1946 in Hammersmith,
London, England. His parents are of Irish and Welsh decent.
In his youth Rickman attended the Royal College of Arts in
hopes of becoming a graphic artist. When Rickman was 26, however,
he won an award to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and
thus began his acting career. As of 2003, Rickman fulfills
the role of Vice-Chairman for the Academy.
Rickman's first major role was as Hans Gruber in 1988's DIE
HARD.
In 1995, Alan Rickman was Chosen by Empire Magazine as one
of the "100 Sexiest Stars in Film History" (#34).
Alan was voted #19 in Empire Magazine's "Greatest Living
Movie Stars" over the age of 50.
In 1991, Rickman gave a stellar performance as the villainous
Sheriff of Nottingham in the major motion blockbuster "Robin
Hood: Prince of Thieves".
Alan Rickman stars as the mysterious Professor Severus Snape
in the "Harry Potter" film series.
Alan was nominated for a 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award
for Best Actor of 2001 for his performance in "Private
Lives" performed at the Albery Theatre in London. Rickman's
performance also earned him a nomination for 2001's London
Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor.
Rickman has, to date, been nominated twice for Broadway's
Tony Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaison
Dangereuses" and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward's
"Private Lives".
In 1997, Alan was Ranked #59 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The
Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.
Alan Rickman's other notable credits include...