Well...This week was only the second full week of 2016, but it kicked off the year in the most heartbreaking way. We lost two legendary British luminaries in the same week. To the same disease. At the same age no less.
Rickman was a classically trained actor, and it showed in his roles, but he was also very traverse. He was played characters in media of a wide variety of genres: Drama, Comedy, Action, and Sci-Fi, all across film, television and stage. His chops were impressive and have been recognized by fans and critics alike, especially where Die Hard and Harry Potter was concerned.
And speaking of Harry Potter, when I watched the first few films as a kid, I absolutely hated Snape. He was sorta menacing and had a demeaning look and act about him, with a voice to match. Even as a good guy, he really didn't sit well with me. That was how great Rickman was in his performance as him.
When the news of Rickman's death came yesterday morning (I was watching CBS This Morning at the time), it hit me like a bus. I was heartbroken. His career was an amazing one, especially as a fan of the Harry Potter films.
And the co-stars of his films felt the same way too.
All of them took to social media to air their grievances of their beloved friend.
Emma Thompson, his film wife in Love Actually, took to Facebook with this sweet message.
and his cohorts from the Harry Potter film series also released their heartfelt messages.
Author of the original books JK Rowling posted this short but bittersweet tweet
There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016Emma Watson (aka Hermione Grainger) took to Facebook with this passage
I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you
Posted by Emma Watson on Thursday, January 14, 2016
"Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also one of the [most loyal] 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. He didn’t have to do that. I know other people who’ve been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say ‘if you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day.’”
Other actors have also posted somber tributes of him to social media as well (almost Twitter).
Also, fans to their very best to memorialize and honor Rickman.
They paid tribute to Rickman at the perfect place to honor him with Severus in mind--
Platform 9 3/4 at the Wonderful World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Flowers at Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross pic.twitter.com/shnRPF7KSV
— Martin (@Martin_2052) January 15, 2016Alan Rickman memorial at Platform 9 3/4 pic.twitter.com/pZx7WPqhKB
— Charlotte Katherine (@charlotte_kath) January 15, 2016His roles were truly memorable and worthy of praise. I know we will all appreciate his work and legacy. He definitely deserves it.
( as shown in his classic interview with former MTV personality Mark Goodman.)
His music was limitless, boundless, powerful, human and full of life, and changed and inspired generation after generation since his debut. His songs were more than about some topics in his words. His words and sounds spoke to a generation of fans that listened with clear, true intent and clear open minds, leaving with bewilderment, high-holy enjoyment and another reason why he is royalty in music.
"Space Oddity" (along with the album of the same name)
"Changes"
"Starman"
"Rebel Rebel"
"Fame"
"Let's Dance"
"China Girl"
and many other classics are proof of his chameleon-style music genius. He can take on any other genre given to him--rock, pop, dance pop, pop rock, glam rock, funk, R&B, and jazz. From his heyday in the 70s till his slowdown in the 90s, Bowie was a constant presence on the charts, the industry, TV, the public consciousness and the concert circuit.
He even was a wonderful figure in film, making appearances in 22 films, including Zoolander, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, The Last Temptation of Christ, his first film The Man Who Fell to Earth last film The Prestige and his most memorable performance as Jareth the Goblin King in Labyrinth.
And his comeback in music later through the turn of the century until his death, he still kept going and still had the talent and longevity.
Even in his final moments, even as he knew his time on Earth was running short, Bowie had to continue doing what he loved--making music and entertaining. That continuation until his end, his final album, Blackstar, which includes his final singe "Lazarus", a dark ditty about the end of his life and "being free like that blue bird".
It's...very gloomy, very hard-hitting and very emotional, able to break anyone down and leave them vulnerable for a long moment. Crying is the first thing you'll do from hearing this.
Bowie knew his life would end, so he made this album as a "swan song" to his fans and to the world, not only making him a chameleon in music, but also an omniscient as well.
Even though Mr. Bowie is no longer with us (or is actually Ziggy Stardust and has actually concluded his musical expedition on Earth, and is returning to Mars--depending on your view), his music will definitely, absolutely and positively live on forever for the generations after ours to listen to, learn, enjoy and be grateful for.
He's not a music icon. He's not even a music genius. He is a music god.
Both men were very talented as actors and singers. With hours of work in music and film between them, their presences will still be felt, and will spellbind millions of new fans and generations, for years and decades to come.
Bowie perished on Sunday evening, January 10--two days after his 69th birthday, losing an 18-month battle with liver cancer. The announcement was made official the following morning by his family in this post released on Facebook.
January 10 2016 - David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with...
Posted by David Bowie on Sunday, January 10, 2016
Both men will be missed. May they both Rest in Peace.
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