Remembering Alan Rickman

The news of Alan Rickman’s death disoriented me as if I had fallen into one of Dumbledore’s pensieves. Here was a man who brought to life a beloved character in Severus Snape and made millions laugh and smile with joy… cry and experience the pain of loss and heartache… and feel intensely moved by the depths of one’s bravery and love. Alan Rickman was an actor and entertainer, a writer, philanthropist, activist, husband, and I’m sure countless other things.Therefore, he is a part of people’s lives and today, many are feeling the sadness of his loss.

I obviously don’t know Alan Rickman. Some may think it silly for me to have shed tears this morning or to write this tribute. But this isn’t for him. Like funerals and memorials, tributes are for the living; a way for people to process their feelings, and for me, express my gratitude.  

For you see, Alan Rickman added value to my life. In the simplest terms, he entertained me. In return, I felt affection for him. Through his unique and captivating voice, the characters he embodied, his attractive smile and seducing accent, he drew me in, like millions of others.

Despite having watched the Harry Potter films countless times, watching Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Severus Snape still invokes a strong emotional response. Harry Potter is my favorite book and film series and therefore, I feel affection for every actor who portrayed a major character. They brought the books to life. And when I re-read the books, the actors are who I visualize. Severus Snape will always be Alan Rickman, even if in twenty years the unimaginable happens and the movies are remade.

You need not personally know someone for them to have made an impact in your life. Alan Rickman was beloved. He was graced with gifts and we are fortunate he shared them with the world. 

Thank you, Alan Rickman. You will be remembered…

Always.