After news of English actor Alan Rickman's death broke early Thursday morning, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, expressed her condolences on Twitter.
"There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death," she wrote. "He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man."
The author, who sometimes writes under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, followed up her first tweet to extend her sympathies to Rickman's wife and family.
Rickman starred as Professor Snape, once described by Rowling as a “gift of a character,” in the eight film adaptations of the best-selling book series from 2001 to 2011.
Rowling and Rickman shared a particularly close bond, with Rickman penning a letter in Empire Magazine, thanking Rowling for creating the "Harry Potter" universe after completing the final film in the franchise.
I have just returned from the dubbing studio where I spoke into a microphone as Severus Snape for absolutely the last time. On the screen were some flashback shots of Daniel, Emma, and Rupert from ten years ago. They were 12. I have also recently returned from New York, and while I was there, I saw Daniel singing and dancing (brilliantly) on Broadway. A lifetime seems to have passed in minutes.
Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape than an unchanging costume, and that even though only three of the books were out at that time, she held the entire massive but delicate narrative in the surest of hands.
It is an ancient need to be told in stories. But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo.
Alan Rickman
For more coverage of Alan Rickman:
Alan Rickman, 'Harry Potter' Star, Dead At 69
Let's Remember Severus Snape For The True Hero He Was
Celebrities Mourn Alan Rickman After His Death
A Look Back At Alan Rickman's Hollywood Career In Photos
The One Thing You Still Don't Know About Snape In 'Harry Potter'
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