Angela Pell stated at the Berlinale Press Conference, that she wrote the role of Snow Cake (2006)'s Alex Hughes with him in mind. The character's name in the script was "Alan", and it was Rickman who suggested the change to Alex.

Studied graphic design before becoming an actor.

The script of Galaxy Quest (1999) originally contained a mention of Alexander Dane having been knighted by Queen Elizabeth. He asked that this be changed because he believed it was inconsistent with the character, and all mentions of the knighting were removed. However, the character is still listed in the credits as "Sir Alexander Dane".

Read the script of Snow Cake (2006) and suggested Sigourney Weaver for the role of Linda, having worked with her on Galaxy Quest (1999). He even telephoned Weaver, and told her she had to read the script, as there was a role he felt she could play perfectly in it.

For Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), he turned down the role of the Sheriff twice before he was told he could more or less have carte-blanche with his interpretation of the character.

Ranked #59 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]

Godfather of Tom Burke.

For his death plunge down the side of the skyscraper in Die Hard (1988), he actually dropped 20 feet onto an airbag against a green screen. Director John McTiernan had to jump first to convince Rickman to do it.

Was Richard Curtis's choice to play Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). Curtis was very hesitant in casting Hugh Grant as he had so wanted Rickman.

Was best man at the wedding of Dexter Fletcher and Dalia Ibelhauptaite.

Chosen by Empire Magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#83). [2007].

Had cello lessons for his part in Truly Madly Deeply (1990), and while he handles the right (bowing) hand, the left hand is provided by a real cellist standing behind him with his arm through Alan Rickman's armpit.

Auditioned for Chris Barrie`s character Rimmer in "Red Dwarf" (1988)_.

Was J.K. Rowling`s personal favorite to play Severus Snape.

He is 11 years older than Timothy Spall, 12 years older than Adrian Rawlins and Gary Oldman, 17 years older than David Thewlis, and 21 years older than Geraldine Somerville. Nevertheless, the character that the six of them play in the Harry Potter films are meant to be contemporaries and former classmates.

Good friend of `Sharman MacDonald`.

Was twice nominated for an Laurence Olivier Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward`s "Private Lives".

Failed his California driving test at one point for "driving too cautiously through a green light"

Says Canada is like a second home.

Is good friends with Adrienne Clarkson, Canada`s former Governor General. Rickman visited Adrienne Clarkson`s Ottawa, Ontario home in May 2005.

His portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988) earned him a spot on the American Film Institute`s list of the "100 Best Heroes/Villains" as the 46th best villain in film history.

Two of the Harry Potter films (so far) also feature Warwick Davis as Professor Flitwick. In The Hitchhiker`s Guide to the Galaxy (2005), Rickman and Warwick Davis play the same part. Warwick Davis wore the robotic suit for Marvin, while Rickman provides the voice.

Was twice nominated for Broadway`s Tony Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaisons Dangereuses", and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward`s "Private Lives".

Was active in raising funds for the Labour Party.

Was voted #19 in Empire Magazine`s Greatest Living Movie Stars over the age of 50.

In Die Hard (1988), he is seen firing a gun only once (in the atrium when Gruber realizes Holly is John`s wife), due to his uncontrollable habit of flinching when the gun recoiled. In that scene he blinks just before the camera cuts.

For the shot where Hans Gruber falls from the top of the building in Die Hard (1988), was actually dropped by a stuntman from a 20-foot high model onto an air bag. To get a genuine surprised look, the stunt man dropped him on the count of two instead of three.

He was nominated for a 2001 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in Private Lives at the Albery Theatre.

He was nominated for a 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor of 2001 for his performance in "Private Lives" at the Albery Theatre, London.

Was offered the role of Leonardo Leonardo in the 2000 cartoon based on Kevin Smith`s film Clerks. (1994). Originally, the character was modeled after Hans Gruber, but the design was changed upon Rickman`s request. The studio decided not to go with Rickman, and the role went to Alec Baldwin.

When he was a child, he had a speech disability: his lower jaw was very tight, causing his words to be indistinctive and muffled. He still has a slight speech impediment, it is the tight lower jaw which gives him his distinctive drawl.

Made Vice-Chairman of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2003.

While filming Die Hard (1988), was found proficient at mimicking American accents; a scene in which Hans Gruber and John McClane finally meet was then added to the script.

Is the second of four children in his family. He has an older brother, a younger brother and a younger sister.

Father died when he was 8 years-old.

Named Best Stage Actor for his part in the acclaimed revival of the Noel Coward play Private Lives at The Variety Club Show business Awards 2002.

Before becoming an actor, he studied graphic design at Chelsea College Of Art And Design and at the Royal College Of Art, forming a successful graphic design company, Graphiti, with several friends.

He became well-known to the American public with his performance as Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988).

Was given the role of Professor Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer`s Stone (2001) only after Tim Roth backed out.

Nominated for Tony award as Best Actor for Broadway revival of "Private Lives", May 2002.

Although a highly successful film actor, he has frequently passed up film offers to return to the theater. (A place and activity which he calls "magical" and his "first love".)

Has been in a relationship with Rima Horton since the 1965. The pair share a home in London. Rima Horton has retired from her lecturing position, and lost her seat on the council she worked for in the local elections of May 2006

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#34). [1995]