Ealing -born actor Alan Rickman - famous for roles in Harry Potter and Love Actually has died.

The star lost his battle with cancer on Thursday (January 14).

Rickman, born in Acton , died in London at the age of 69 following a battle with cancer.

He is particularly famous for his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films.

Rickman, who attended Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith , also starred in Die Hard , Sweeney Todd and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

The award winning actor, who scooped accolades including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, also attended the Derwentwater Primary School, Acton.

READ MORE:In pictures: Alan Rickman's diverse career on screen

He leaves his wife, former Labour councillor for Kensington & Chelsea, to whom he was married only around a year ago.

Stars, including Stephen Fry, were quick to pay tribute.

'A love of drama'

In a tribute, Latymer Upper School wrote on its website: "We are shocked and so saddened by the death of Alan Rickman - a great actor and true Latymerian.

"Alan arrived at Latymer Upper School on a scholarship in 1956. It was in the School’s Main Hall that the young Alan first trod the boards, treating his audience to lively performances in many a school play.

"These shows sparked a love of drama that would shape his life to come.

"Alan’s performances reached across the generations. Many of our alumni remember him from his theatre performances as a member of the RSC, including his Tony nominated role as Vicomte de Valmont in the play Les Liaisons Dangereuses, or from his parts in the films Truly, Madly, Deeply, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Die Hard, to mention but a few.

"But it is his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series that resonates so strongly with our current pupils.

"Alan was hugely supportive of his old school. He was due to speak at a Latymer event in aid of the school’s bursaries appeal only this month - a cause very dear to his heart having attended Latymer Upper, as he did, on a free place.

"Alan’s speech at one of the school’s prize giving evenings was captivating - and reflective of his views.

"In it he tasked Latymerians to decide 'what sort of person' they are and to make a difference to the world. Today’s children were the 'hopes and voices' of so many people – in a few years they could be in seats of power and he called for them to show imagination and to be 'brave and socially and globally responsible'.

"Inspiring words from a visionary Latymerian who will be much missed."

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