Harry Potter's Professor Snape Dies At 69

– Veteran British actor Alan Rickman, known for his Severus Snape role in Harry Potter series has died at 69, announced his family on Jan. 14.

"The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends" a family statement said.

Rickman was known for his unforgettable appearances in "Die Hard", "Truly Madly Deeply", "Sense And Sensibility", "Michael Collins" and "Judas Kiss".

The giant film and theatre actor has won a Bafta for playing the Sheriff of Nottingham in 1991's " Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves".

"Rickman, who was born into a working-class family in London, began his acting career on the stage before graduating to Hollywood films" Daily Mail has noted.  Rickman has also won a Golden Globe and was nominated two-times for Tony Award.

The Telegraph "ed Rickman's inspiring words on life, acting and art as follows:

"Talent is an accident of genes - and a responsibility..."

(Photo) - Istanbul