It is with a heavy heart that we write this post.  Alan Rickman, best known to many as Severus Snape, has passed away at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. A statement from his family reads:

“The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.”

Another who has left us soon but will “Always” be in our hearts. If you haven’t seen any of his films outside the Potter franchise, you should take some time this weekend to get to know him as an actor. From Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Quigly Down Under to Bottle Shock, Galaxy Quest and CBGB he was an immensely talented man.

His costars from the Potter films and beyond have begun to share their feelings on his passing. We find ourselves unable to speak, or type, so we’ll let them do the talking.

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, 2016

I was at Leavesden Studios today when I heard the news. As I walked through the canteen I… https://t.co/tvOqG8EfjE

— Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis) January 14, 2016

Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I’ve ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time

— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016

Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.

— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016

So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. Honoured to have shared the screen with him. #Marvin #Snape He’ll be sorely missed.

— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) January 14, 2016

Am not prepared for a world without Alan Rickman. Such a beautiful soul. He was so kind & generous in the moments he wasn't Snaping about.??

— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) January 14, 2016

Today a friend, a role model and a truly amazing person lost his battle. I have so many good memories. #Always #RipAlanRickman

— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) January 14, 2016

Such terrible news. And reading about him now makes me want to BE and DO better in everything. Thank you sir. #RIPAlanRickman

— Katie Leung (@Kt_Leung) January 14, 2016

I don’t know what I did to deserve a friend like Alan. He looked out for me for twenty years and I loved him. I don’t know what to do now.

— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) January 14, 2016

Alan Rickman Read: https://t.co/Ygi55FLplm

— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) January 14, 2016

The world has lost one of its greatest and kindest actors. #icon

— Afshan Azad (@afshan_azad) January 14, 2016

Just had awful news of Alan Rickmans death. Utterly devastated. Nothing more to say at this time.

— Chris Rankin (@chrisrankin) January 14, 2016

Completely gutted to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. Not only a wonderful actor and a hero of mine, but a true gentleman.

— Robbie Jarvis (@Robbie_Jarvis) January 14, 2016