Alan Rickman

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Born: 21st February 1946
Country: England
Occupation: Actor, Director, Writer

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

After starting out as a graphic designer Alan Rickman decided, age 26, to change career and study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). Television and stage work followed and he won widespread acclaim for originating the role of the suave, but ruthless, Viscount de Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

On the big screen he has become famous for his portrayals of villains, but has also proved he can his turn his hand to romantic leads, or provide strong supporting characters.

Why We're Talking About Him:

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His performances are mesmerising . No wonder he was cast as Rasputin.

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He was the saving grace in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Though why Marian preferred Robin to Alan's Sheriff mystifies us.

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He looks great with black hair!

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He's that thing which can notably be absent in movie stars. Versatile.

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Ghostly performance wise he leaves Patrick Swayze in the dust.

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He made us look at cello players, and clouds, in a whole new way.

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Movie Picks:

Die Hard (USA 1988) Alan's breakthrough role as 'terrorist' Hans Gruber. Cooly menacing he's a perfect foil for Bruce Willis' wisecracking John McClane . Plus it's one of the best action movies of all time.

Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. (USA, 1991) Forget Robin (he of the wandering accent and lack of charisma). Instead rejoice in Alan's delicious portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham. The movie's worth watching for his one-liners and put downs alone.

Truly Madly Deeply (UK, 1991) Frequently referred to as "Ghost for grown ups" this romance has a mixture of light-hearted and deeply moving moments. As the departed Jamie , Alan shows his girlfriend Nina (Juliet Stevenson) there is life after death both for those who have moved on and those left behind. Classic dialogue, and a rendition of "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More" which must be one of the feelgood movie scenes, make this film well worth hunting down if you've not seen it.

- Movie Cat

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