Emma Thompson pays tribute to Alan Rickman: ‘He was the ultimate ally’

The actress paid an emotional tribute to the late actor who died following a battle with cancer
Emma Powell14 January 2016
The Weekender

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Actress Emma Thompson has paid an emotional tribute to her “friend” and “ultimate ally” Alan Rickman.

The British actor, known for his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films, died of cancer on Thursday, his family confirmed.

Thompson - who enjoyed several film roles alongside Rickman - explained how she was with him before he died.

In a statement she wrote: “Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye.

Alan Rickman - in pictures

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“What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. The intransigence which made him the great artist he was—his ineffable and cynical wit, the clarity with which he saw most things, including me, and the fact that he never spared me the view. I learned a lot from him.

“He was the finest of actors and directors. I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do with his face next. I consider myself hugely privileged to have worked with him so many times and to have been directed by him.

“He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely.

“He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again.

Thompson and Rickman appeared together as husband and wife in 2003's Love Actually and in 1995's Sense and Sensibility.

They also enjoyed roles alongside one another in Harry Potter, Song of Lunch and Judas Kiss.

Stars including Emma Watson, J. K Rowling, Stephen Fry and Eddie Izzard are among those who have paid tribute.

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