Actor Alan Rickman dies at 69

Alan Rickman, lauded film and theater actor, has died from cancer at age 69.

Rickman’s family has confirmed the actor’s death, saying that he had been suffering from the disease, the Evening Standard reported.

Rickman, famous for his work as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter film series as well as for portraying terrorist Hans Gruber in “Die Hard,” was also politically active and involved with charities throughout his life, the Guardian stated.

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“Actors are agents of change,” he had been quoted by the Guardian. “A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.”