Alan Rickman

[CarMELita]

Alan Rickman

taken from wikipedia.org:

Birth name: Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman

Born: February 21, 1946

Hammersmith, London, England, UK

Awards:

BAFTA Awards

Best Supporting Actor

1992 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Emmy Awards

Outstanding Lead Actor - Miniseries/Movie

1996 Rasputin

Golden Globe Awards

Best Actor - Miniseries

1997 Rasputin

Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman (born February 21, 1946) is an acclaimed, award-winning English film, television and stage actor.

Biography

Rickman was born in Hammersmith, London to a working-class family. His father, Bernard Rickman, was an Irish Catholic factory worker, and his mother, Margaret Doreen Rose (née Bartlett), was a Methodist Welsh homemaker. His father died when Rickman was eight, leaving his mother (whom he has always held in the highest respect) to raise their four children mostly alone. He says she married again, but divorced his stepfather after three years. "There was one love in her life." After graduating from Latymer Upper School, Hammersmith, Rickman attended Chelsea College of Art and made his way as a graphic artist in Soho. He received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) which he attended from 1972–1974. While there, he won the Emile Littler Prize, the Forbes Robertson Prize, and the Bancroft Gold Medal. Since then, he has been a constant presence on the British stage. A speech defect and an unusual tightness of his jaw have been credited with giving him his unique voice and line delivery.

Career

Rickman has worked extensively with various British repertory and experimental theatre groups on productions including The Seagull and Snoo Wilson's The Grass Widow at the Royal Court, and has appeared three times at the Edinburgh International Festival. While working with the Royal Shakespeare Company he starred in, among other things, As You Like It. He made a particular impression as the male lead in the 1985 Royal Shakespeare Company production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. In 1986 he earned critical and popular acclaim as the elegant and heartless seducer. When the show went across the Atlantic in 1986, Rickman went with it to Broadway and there earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance.

"You can act truthfully or you can lie. You can reveal things about yourself or you can hide. Therefore, the audience recognises something about themselves or they don't—You hope they don't leave the theatre thinking 'that was nice...now where's the cab?'"

"If people want to know who I am, it is all in the work".

To television audiences he also became known as Mr. Slope in the BBC's 1980s adaptation of Barchester Towers. He played future Irish Taoiseach and president Éamon de Valera in the film Michael Collins alongside Liam Neeson. While playing romantic leads in British movies (Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility; Jamie in Truly, Madly, Deeply), he was generally typecast in Hollywood films as an over-the-top villain (German terrorist Hans Gruber in Die Hard and the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves). His role in Die Hard earned him a spot on the American Film Institute's list of the "100 Best Heroes/Villains" as the 46th best villain in film history.

Rickman has also demonstrated considerable talent as a comedy actor in films such as Galaxy Quest, Dogma, and Love Actually. He won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his performance as Rasputin in 1996. He is also playing a crucial role in the Harry Potter films as the Potions professor Severus Snape . More recently, Rickman was cast as the voice of Marvin in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy film. Coincidentally, Rickman and David Learner, who occupied Marvin's costume for the TV adaptation and stage shows, studied together at RADA. Rickman continues playing the Potions Master Severus Snape in the fifth installment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which was released world wide on July 11 2007. He will also be very busy this year with Snow Cake (with Sigourney Weaver and Carrie-Anne Moss) which will have its debut at the Berlinale and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (with Dustin Hoffman), directed by Tom Tykwer.

Alan Rickman has performed on stage in Noel Coward's romantic comedy Private Lives, which transferred to Broadway after its successful run in London at the Albery Theatre and ended in September 2002. Rickman had reunited with his Les Liaisons Dangereuses co-star, Lindsay Duncan, and director, Howard Davies for this Tony Award winning production.

His previous stage performance was as Mark Antony, opposite Helen Mirren as Cleopatra, in the Royal National Theatre's production of Antony and Cleopatra at the Olivier Theatre in London, which ran from October 20th to December 3rd, 1998. Before that, he performed in Yukio Ninagawa's Tango at the End of Winter in London's West End and the Riverside Studio production of Hamlet in 1991, directed by Robert Sturua. He directed The Winter Guest at London's Almeida Theatre in 1995. He also directed the film version in 1996 starring Emma Thompson and her real life mother Phyllida Law.

Rickman has also been featured in several musical works—most notably in a song composed by the English songwriter Adam Leonard. Moreover, the actor played a "Master of Ceremonies" part in announcing the various instruments in Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells II on the track "The Bell". Mr. Rickman was also one of the many artists who recited Shakespearian sonnets on the 2002-released When Love Speaks CD, and is also featured prominently in a Texas music-video entitled "In Demand", which premiered on Europe MTV in August 2000. In the video Sharleen Spiteri (the lead singer of Texas) danced the tango with Alan: the clip was nominated for Best British Video at the Brit Awards. Sharleen said about the choice of Alan for the clip ; "I thought it had to be someone who would be believable, who would rip your coat off and pull you into the tango, so I thought Alan Rickman!"

Rickman was chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (No 34) in 1995 and ranked No 59 in Empire's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list in October 1997. Rickman became Vice-Chairman of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2003. He was voted No 19 in Empire magazine's Greatest Living Movie Stars over the age of 50 and was twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

For his role in the Harry Potter series and most notably for his latest impersonation of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Rickman was vastly applauded. His portrayal of Snape has won him glowing reviews from critics and fans alike. In 2007, Entertainment Weekly named him one of their favorite people in pop culture, saying that in the Harry Potter films, "he may not be on screen long- but he owns every minute," and that he is capable of "turning a simple retort into a mini-symphony of contempt."Many critics have stated that he was one of the key elements of the film, giving a chilling image of an ambiguous potions master.

Rickman directed the play My Name Is Rachel Corrie in April 2005 at the Royal Court Theatre, London, and won the Theatre Goers' Choice Awards for best director. The production is based on the writings of Rachel Corrie, the 23-year-old American woman who was killed on March 16, 2003 by an Israeli Army bulldozer.

My Name Is Rachel Corrie played at the West End's Playhouse Theatre in London from March to May 2006. The play also ran at both the Galway Arts Festival and the Edinburgh Fesitval in 2006.

In 1995 Alan turned down the role of Alec Trevelyan in the 1995 James Bond film Goldeneye

taken from imdb.com:

Filmography

Actor:

1. We're Here to Help (2008) (in production) .... Fenchurch

2. The Villa Golitsyn (2008) (pre-production) (attached) .... Willy

3. Bottle Shock (2008) (filming)

4. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) (post-production) .... Judge Turpin

... aka Sweeney Todd (USA: short title)

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) .... Severus Snape

... aka Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The IMAX Experience (USA: IMAX version)

6. Nobel Son (2007) .... Eli Michaelson

7. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006) .... Richis

... aka Parfum - Die Geschichte eines Mörders, Das (Germany)

... aka Parfum - Histoire d'un meurtrier, Le (France)

... aka Perfume (International: English title: informal short title)

... aka Perfume - Historia de un asesino, El (Spain)

... aka Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (International: English title)

8. Snow Cake (2006) .... Alex Hughes

9. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) .... Severus Snape

... aka Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The IMAX Experience (USA: IMAX version)

10. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005) (voice) .... Marvin

11. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) .... Professor Severus Snape

... aka Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The IMAX Experience (USA: IMAX version)

12. Something the Lord Made (2004) (TV) .... Dr. Alfred Blalock

13. Love Actually (2003) .... Harry

14. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) .... Professor Snape

... aka Harry Potter und die Kammer des Schreckens (Germany)

15. "King of the Hill" .... King Philip (1 episode, 2002)

- Joust Like a Woman (2002) TV Episode (voice) .... King Philip

16. The Search for John Gissing (2001) .... John Gissing

17. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) .... Professor Severus Snape

... aka Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Canada: English title) (International: English title) (UK)

... aka Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (USA)

18. Blow Dry (2001) .... Phil Allen

... aka Über kurz oder lang (Germany)

19. Hjælp, jeg er en fisk (2000) (voice) .... Joe

... aka A Fish Tale (USA)

... aka Help! I'm a Fish (UK)

... aka Hilfe! Ich bin ein Fisch (Germany)

20. Play (2000) .... Man

21. Galaxy Quest (1999) .... Alexander Dane

22. Dogma (1999) .... Metatron

23. "Eco-Challenge Argentina" (1999) (mini) TV Series .... Narrator

24. Dark Harbor (1998) .... David Weinberg

25. Judas Kiss (1998) .... Detective David Friedman

26. The Winter Guest (1997) (uncredited) .... Man in street

27. Michael Collins (1996) .... Eamon de Valera

28. Rasputin (1996) (TV) .... Grigori Rasputin

... aka Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (USA: video box title)

29. Sense and Sensibility (1995) .... Col. Christopher Brandon

30. An Awfully Big Adventure (1995) .... P.L. O'Hara

31. Mesmer (1994) .... Franz Anton Mesmer

32. "Fallen Angels" .... Dwight Billings (1 episode, 1993)

- Murder, Obliquely (1993) TV Episode .... Dwight Billings

33. Bob Roberts (1992) .... Lukas Hart III

34. Close My Eyes (1991) .... Sinclair

35. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) .... Sheriff of Nottingham

36. Truly Madly Deeply (1991) .... Jamie

37. Closet Land (1991) .... Interrogator

38. Quigley Down Under (1990) .... Elliott Marston

... aka Quigley (Australia)

... aka Quigley Down Under (Australia)

39. January Man (1989) .... Ed

... aka The January Man (USA: poster title)

40. Revolutionary Witness (1989) (TV) .... Jacques Roux (segment "The Preacher")

41. Spirit of Man (1989) (TV) .... Israel Yates (segment "From Sleep and Shadow")

42. Die Hard (1988) .... Hans Gruber

43. "Girls on Top" .... Dimitri / ... (2 episodes, 1985)

- Cancel Toast (1985) TV Episode .... Voice of RADA

- Four-Play (1985) TV Episode .... Dimitri

44. Pity in History (1985) (TV) .... Croop

45. "The Barchester Chronicles" (1982) (mini) TV Series .... Rev. Obadiah Slope

46. "Smiley's People" .... Mr. Brownlow (1 episode, 1982)

- Episode #1.2 (1982) TV Episode .... Mr. Brownlow

47. "Thérèse Raquin" (1980) (mini) TV Series .... Vidal

48. Romeo & Juliet (1978) (TV) .... Tybalt

... aka The Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (USA: video title)

Producer:

1. Willows (2001) (executive producer)

... aka Inspiration (UK)

Director:

1. The Winter Guest (1997)

Writer:

1. The Winter Guest (1997)

Soundtrack:

1. Truly Madly Deeply (1991) (performer: "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore")

Trivia

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#34). [1995]

Ranked #59 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]

Has been in a relationship with Rima Horton since the 1965. The pair share a home in London. Rima Horton has retired from her lecturing position, and lost her seat on the council she worked for in the local elections of May 2006

Although a highly successful film actor, he has frequently passed up film offers to return to the theater. (A place and activity which he calls "magical" and his "first love".)

Nominated for Tony award as Best Actor for Broadway revival of "Private Lives", May 2002.

Was given the role of Professor Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) only after Tim Roth backed out.

He became well-known to the American public with his performance as Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988).

Studied graphic design before becoming an actor.

Named Best Stage Actor for his part in the acclaimed revival of the Noel Coward play Private Lives at The Variety Club Show business Awards 2002.

Father died when he was 8 years-old.

Is the second of four children in his family. He has an older brother, a younger brother and a younger sister.

While filming Die Hard (1988), was found proficient at mimicking American accents; a scene in which Hans Gruber and John McClane finally meet was then added to the script.

Made Vice-Chairman of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2003.

When he was a child, he had a speech disability: his lower jaw was very tight, causing his words to be indistinctive and muffled. He still has a slight speech impediment, it is the tight lower jaw which gives him his distinctive drawl.

Was offered the role of Leonardo Leonardo in the 2000 cartoon based on Kevin Smith's film Clerks. (1994). Originally, the character was modeled after Hans Gruber, but the design was changed upon Rickman's request. The studio decided not to go with Rickman, and the role went to Alec Baldwin.

He was nominated for a 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor of 2001 for his performance in "Private Lives" at the Albery Theatre, London.

He was nominated for a 2001 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in Private Lives at the Albery Theatre.

For the shot where Hans Gruber falls from the top of the building in Die Hard (1988), was actually dropped by a stuntman from a 20-foot high model onto an air bag. To get a genuine surprised look, the stunt man dropped him on the count of two instead of three.

In Die Hard (1988), he is seen firing a gun only once (in the atrium when Gruber realizes Holly is John's wife), due to his uncontrollable habit of flinching when the gun recoiled. In that scene he blinks just before the camera cuts.

Was voted #19 in Empire Magazine's Greatest Living Movie Stars over the age of 50.

Was active in raising funds for the Labour Party.

Was twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaisons Dangereuses", and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward's "Private Lives".

Two of the Harry Potter films (so far) also feature Warwick Davis as Professor Flitwick. In The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), Rickman and Warwick Davis play the same part. Warwick Davis wore the robotic suit for Marvin, while Rickman provides the voice.

His portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988) earned him a spot on the American Film Institute's list of the "100 Best Heroes/Villains" as the 46th best villain in film history.

Is good friends with Adrienne Clarkson, Canada's former Governor General. Rickman visited Adrienne Clarkson's Ottawa, Ontario home in May 2005.

Says Canada is like a second home.

Failed his California driving test at one point for "driving too cautiously through a green light"

Was twice nominated for an Laurence Olivier Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward's "Private Lives".

Good friend of 'Sharman MacDonald' .

He is 11 years older than Timothy Spall, 12 years older than Adrian Rawlins and Gary Oldman, 17 years older than David Thewlis, and 21 years older than Geraldine Somerville. Nevertheless, the character that the six of them play in the Harry Potter films are meant to be contemporaries and former classmates.

Was J.K. Rowling's personal favorite to play Severus Snape.

Personal Quotes

"I do take my work seriously and the way to do that is not to take yourself too seriously."

On longtime partner Rima Horton: "I think every relationship should be allowed to have its own rules. She's tolerant. She's incredibly tolerant. Unbelievably tolerant. Possibly a candidate for sainthood."

"I have a love-hate relationship with white silk."

I do feel more myself in America. I can regress there, and they have roller-coaster parks.

On not being a father: "I love to travel and I don't have children, so there is a certain freedom."

If you spend any time in Los Angeles, there's only one topic of conversation.

Los Angeles is not a town full of airheads. There's a great deal of wonderful energy there.

I love America because whenever I go home -- there's something about England and coming from England-- but as soon as you walk down the steps of the plane you shrink. And you have to start saying "sorry" and being polite and curtsying and things like that... America just lets me be the klutz I really am.

Various pics I found via google search:

[tinkerbelle]

Alan Rickman

taken from wikipedia.org:

I love him as a vilain !!! I didn't like his performance in the perfume

he was also great in love actually tho he's not the usual vilain in it lol

[Supermodel Diva]

I love him... lol && I love his voice..so cool...

[Ophelia_Immortal]

da sex....want him

[CarMELita]

da sex....want him

... know watcha mean ...

Texas - "in demand"

(music video)

[wickedcrazyness]

^_^ he's great. love him as a villain and his voice is awesome

[xXSaMiRaXx]

he's a great actor, I love him as a vilain too

[velvetduster]

as severus snape, alan rickman doesn't look 60. :trout:

[CarMELita]

as severus snape, alan rickman doesn't look 60. :trout:

No, he looks damn sexy

[Supermodel Diva]

He really doesn't looks 60...at least not to me...

[Ophelia_Immortal]

He is like David Bowie.....don't care how old he is. I will always him

[Munichmarty]

At my homepage http://munichmarty.livejournal.com/ I posted some high resolution pictures of Alan on different days.

Maybe you like to visit me.

[CarMELita]

Thanks, Munich, and welcome to bellazon

[veeVERITY_]

SNIVELLY. <3

Hahaha, he's amazing. Perfect for Snape.

[CarMELita]

source: Livejournal, catsplay & alan rickman ru

[CarMELita]

source: Livejournal, munichmarty & alan rickman ru

[CarMELita]

Lady Fatale posted those at Johnny Depp's Thread so I thought I could post them here as well ... they're from the upcoming "Sweeney Todd" - Movie ...

[CarMELita]

Stills from everyone's favorite potions master

taken from Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix

source: LJ, picturexpress

[Munichmarty]

He is so sexy in black !

[CarMELita]

Hey Marty!

I'm glad you joined btw. so I won't need to post "your" pics over here anymore I guess!! I'm "Nestfraese" from Livejournal ..

Also very glad to have another fan of Alan here, I was already feeling a bit lonely ...

Those two are taken from Livejournal, netnessie