Alan Rickman: illness, funeral and new Snape
Alan Rickman, the renowned British actor, passed away on January 14, 2016, at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer. His death was a significant loss to the world of theatre and cinema. Rickman was known for his deep, expressive acting style and unmistakable voice. He is especially remembered for his portrayal of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter film series.
Alan Rickman carefully planned every detail of his farewell. His cremation took place on the morning of February 3, 2016, in the presence of close friends and family. That same afternoon, a farewell ceremony was held at St. Paul’s Church in London’s theatre district — famously known as the “Actors’ Church.”
The service featured music personally chosen by Rickman: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, “Take It with Me” by Tom Waits, and it concluded with “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore.” Everyone present joined in singing the final song, creating a deeply emotional farewell moment. In keeping with tradition, Reverend Richard Syms invited the guests to give Alan “one last wonderful standing ovation.”
This funeral reflected Rickman’s true personality — a man who cherished art, humor, and humanity. He left behind a legacy not only as an actor but also as someone with a profound sense of humor and a deep love for life.
Alan Rickman Isn’t Turning in His Grave — Because He Was Cremated
Lately, the Potterhead corners of the internet have been ablaze with outrage. Why? Because in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series, a Black actor has been cast to play Severus Snape. Cue the dramatic gasps, furious tweets, and the ever-popular phrase: “Alan Rickman must be turning in his grave!”
Well, dear fans — he’s not.
Because Alan Rickman was cremated.
No grave. No turning. No ghostly eye-rolls from beyond.
But What About Snape?
Let’s be clear: Rickman’s Snape was iconic.
Brooding. Tragic. Complex. Magnetic. Unforgettable.
But let’s also be honest:
That wasn’t the Snape from the books.
The book Snape?
He’s described as thin, sallow-skinned, greasy-haired, hook-nosed, and downright unpleasant. He’s got yellow teeth, and his robes are perpetually greasy-looking. He’s meant to be a thorn in Harry’s side — not a darkly romantic anti-hero with silky tones and intense stares.
Rickman brought elegance, grace, and incredible emotional depth to the character. He elevated Snape into something Shakespearean. And we loved him for it. But if this reboot wants to give us a truer-to-the-page Snape, now’s the time.
Give us the full greasiness. The awkward posture. The terrible breath.
Make him someone who really is a pain in Harry’s adolescent butt.
Because Snape was not designed to be liked. He was designed to challenge — Harry, the reader, and now, the viewer.
Final Thought
Alan Rickman wouldn’t have cared about the casting controversy. He wasn’t the kind of man to get hung up on appearances. He cared about the craft, about the soul of a performance. He’d probably be the first to say:
“Let the actor act. Let the story be told.”
So no, Rickman isn’t spinning in his (nonexistent) grave. His ashes are at peace — probably smirking at all of us from whatever classy dimension he now occupies.
And if anything, he’s likely raising a ghostly eyebrow at the new Snape and whispering:
“Go on, then. Make it your own — just make it good.”
