Just days after the film and music world lost icon David Bowie, Hollywood is mourning the loss of another legend. Alan Rickman, best known for his roles as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies, has passed away at the age of 69. The Guardian reports that the actor had been battling cancer, and that he died "surrounded by family and friends." Here's what Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling had to say in a statement.

"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."

After a number of minor roles in British TV shows, Alan Rickman made his feature film debut in the 1988 action classic Die Hard, portraying the iconic villain Hans Gruber. He went on to star as Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, along with roles in Bob Roberts, Sense and Sensibility and Dogma before he took on the role of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Here's what Daniel Radcliffe had to say about his co-star's passing in a post on his Google Plus page.

"Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest

actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest 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.'"

After studying graphic design at Graphic Design at Chelsea College of Art, he moved on to graduate studies at the Royal College of Art. Eventually, his love for theater lead him to audition for the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he received a scholarship at the age of 26, which spawned an acting career that lasted more than 40 years, including numerous critically-acclaimed performances on the stage as well as film and TV work. Harry Potter star Emma Watson also left her own tribute to the actor on her Facebook page to read her moving tribute to the actor, which you can read below.

"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."

The actor is survived by his wife, Rima Horton. You can also read Daniel Radcliffe's full tribute at his Google Plus page. Will you be watching Die Hard or any of the Harry Potter movies tonight in honor of Alan Rickman's passing? Let us know what you think below.