When news broke today that Alan Rickman had died from cancer at age 69, we were beyond devastated. As members of the generation that grew up watching Rickman’s flawless portrayal of the Harry Potter series’ not-quite-trustworthy yet unbelievably loveable Severus Snape, we don’t know how the world will ever be the same without him.
1. Watching all-day Harry Potter marathons on ABC Family won’t be as fun
Sure, we’ll still delight in the back-to-back airings of Harry and the gang’s magical shenanigans, but we’ll definitely tear up every time Snape graces our screen.
2. But Snape jokes will be just as hilarious
We like to think Alan Rickman would delight in our silly Snape-induced giggle fits.
3. Snape’s death scene will be all the more tragic
Who didn’t sob wildly when Voldemort ordered his snake, Nagini, to brutally murder Severus? We honestly don’t know if we’ll ever be able to watch this scene again.
4. His voice will give us even more goosebumps
Rickman’s signature drawl could send chills down our spine instantly. Thanks to his extensive work in film, we’ll never have to forget his sound, though it’s sure to be haunting.
5. Who’s going to provide sassy life truths to keep us in check?
We could always count on Snape to tell it like it is.
6. He was the ultimate anti-hero
We’ll likely never see anyone better embody the role of anti-hero—at least not in the way that Rickman so mindfully and gracefully did.
7. His love for Lily will break our hearts over and over again
This reveal was the ultimate prize for fans who never could understand Snape’s peculiar attachment to Harry. There has never been a time we’ve watched these scenes without crying, and we’re sure there never will be.
8. We’ll never see Rickman reunite with the HP cast
Though the series’ run on film is seemingly complete, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of a reunion off-screen. Sadly, such an event did not occur before Rickman’s passing.
9. “Always” will always mean so much more
Other than “turn to page 394,” this has to be Snape’s most quoted line from the films. With the passion he evoked in saying that one word, anyone could see how powerful Rickman’s presence was.
10. The world of acting—and our world—just won’t be as bright without him in it
Of course, we will remember Rickman as the iconic Severus Snape. But he also has leagues of fans from his work in Love Actually, Sense and Sensibility, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and numerous roles on stage.
Today, we felt the world grow a little bit dimmer. Not only will that sentiment radiate throughout the acting community but through our world as well.