Alan Rickman

OK, let’s say it together: Alan Rickman should have been nominated for an Oscar for his performance as Professor Severus Snape. Now, let’s breathe. And lest we forget Russian terrorist Hans Gruber in Die Hard. What’s clear here is that Alan has brought to life some of the most iconic characters on the big screen. One of his more memorable screen moments was his subdued yet completely powerful performance as the lovelorn Colonel Brandon in Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility. The very English actor even disappeared into the role of very American former president Ronald Reagan recently in The Butler. I think the word we’re looking for here is: versatility. This is one actor who will be sorely missed.