Written by Purnima Balraju

Alan Rickman is a timeless actor. He was known for paying Hans Gruber in Die Hard, he starred in countless of plays and my generation knows him for playing a beloved character, Severus Snape. His death is a loss to us and to future generations who would never experience the many faces of this talented man. Oh I will miss listening to his distinctive baritone which neither Jimmy Fallon Nor Benedict Cumberbatch could get it quite right. He led an evenful life, with lessons and quotes to live by:

1. You Are Never To Old For Practical Jokes.

Certainly as actors, and maybe as directors, you’ve got to hang on to something childlike. You’ve got to know what play is.

The funniest one was when he teamed up with Michael Gambon (aka Dumbledore) to prank the kids in Harry Potter. They placed a fart machine in Daniel Radcliffe’s sleeping bag while doing a take. Of course, the pranksters could not keep a straight face. This just goes to show that farts make anyone laugh no matter who you are -British Royalty of Actors or a child.

2. At Age 41, He Finally Had His Big Break.

You have to roll your sleeves up in the theater and really confront issues in a straightforward and nightly way. That becomes about stamina and discipline. You learn that you don’t have any real freedom without real discipline. It means years and years of hard work, and you never get it right and the horizon keeps moving away.

Think you are too old to try for that new project? Or you are past your prime to take that trip you have always wanted? Think again! Alan Rickman shows that what matters most is that you know your talent and skills. Just use them to your advantage and never be afraid of working hard for it.

3. Passion Over Money.

Talent is an accident of genes -and a responsibility

This is easier aid than done. Especially if you have student loans, bills and taxes to pay. Alan Rickman followed his talents and that led him to where he is today. What you are born with, is yours to do as you please. Do not waste it. Money will come along the way, but it is passion that open up opportunities to get you there.

4. You Are Never Too Busy For The People Who Matter.

Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I’m pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York.

-Daniel Radcliffe

Time is a subjective concept. It can be stretched or compressed by you. How you manage it, what you decide to spend it on is how you make your relationships count. Despite his own schedule, Alan Rickman made an effort to keep in touch with the people in his life. Because the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.

5. The Arts Nourish The Soul.

It is an ancient need to be told stories. But the story needs a great storyteller.

Not artistically inclined? It does not matter. Read, listen to music, take an art class…just express yourself in ways that make you feel at peace. Document your story in your own way.

What are some of your favourite memories of Alan Rickman?