Not Just Harry Potter: Alan Rickman's 5 Best Roles That Aren't Severus Snape
Alan Rickman was far more than just Professor Snape, and some of his other roles were even more iconic than that. Here are the legendary actor’s 5 best characters.
5. Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988)
Believe it or not but Hans Gruber was actually Alan Rickman’s first movie role: prior to Die Hard, the actor had only performed on-stage or on television. The part of the sophisticated and sharp villain was a strong introduction to the world of cinema for Rickman whose performance was unanimously praised by critics and viewers alike.
4. Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
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Another outstanding villainous part, Alan Rickman portrayed the Sheriff of Nottingham in the reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Power-hungry, ambitious, and ruthless, the actor’s version of the Sheriff was a great antagonist. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves saw one of Rickman’s strongest movie acts ever.
3. Galaxy Quest as Alexander Dane (1999)
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In this sci-fi story within a sci-fi story, Rickman takes over the part of Alexander Dane — one of the actors of a cult TV show that was recently canceled. Not knowing what to do with their lives, the actors are contacted by real aliens who need their help. Alan Rickman’s Dane is the heart of the movie despite it having many stars.
2. Harry in Love Actually (2003)
For a Christmas comedy, Love Actually had an amazing cast, boasting not only Alan Rickman but also Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and many others. Rickman’s character puts his marriage at risk by falling for a new employee’s advances, and we’re falling for his acting talent at the same time; sadly, his story is only one of eight others.
1. Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
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Say what you will but Alan Rickman shines the brightest in his villainous roles — and Judge Turpin from Sweeney Todd is perhaps his most iconic antagonist. Together with Johnny Depp ’s Sweeney, we want Rickman’s Judge to go down, but ultimately, the film only wins from his presence on every step of the way. This performance deserved every award it did and didn’t win and showcased Rickman’s stellar range.