On the 14th of January 2016, the actor Alan Rickman sadly passed away. Best known for roles in ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Diehard’, and ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’, Rickman was considered to be one of England’s ‘national treasures’. Despite his outstanding skill as an actor, his title of ‘inspirational’ is not earned solely through that. Rather, due to his determination to become an actor, despite making the drastic career change at a later point in his life. This risk-taking, and tenacity, in pursuit of dreams, should act as an example to all, demonstrating that those who have both the right opportunity, and the right work ethic, can achieve almost anything.
Throughout Rickman’s childhood, his predominant talent seemed to be in painting and calligraphy, rather than theatre. He reportedly excelled in those fields at school, and despite becoming involved with drama throughout his senior school years, attended both Chelsea College of Art and Design, and later the Royal College of Art. Rickman then began a career as a graphic designer, later stating that ‘Drama school wasn’t considered the sensible option’. This, however, only lasted for approximately three years; Rickman deciding that beginning an acting career was ‘now or never’. Consequently, he auditioned at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (otherwise known as RADA), and studied there for two years, age 26-28. At this point in their lives, many people consider themselves finished with education; but Rickman’s desire to pursue what he loved drove him to continue learning.
It wasn’t until the late 1970s/early 1980s that Rickman’s career began to truly take off. After joining the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), his roles in such plays as ‘As you Like it’, and ‘Les Liaisons Dangerousness’ gave him visibility, Rickman receiving a Tony Award nomination in 1985 following the RSC’s transfer to Broadway. Rickman starred in numerous memorable roles, his first notable film appearance being the cult 1988 film ‘Diehard’, as notorious villain Hans Gruber. From then on, received more and more offers for jobs. Notable roles include love interest Jamie in the 1991 ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’, the evil Sherriff of Nottingham in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, also 1991. Possibly his most memorable part, however, was the character of Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” series. Though there is significant dispute amongst the fandom as to whether Snape was a morally good, or bad character, the fact remains that fans adored and appreciated Rickman with all their heart. This admiration that Rickman seems to inspire is demonstrative of his outstanding skill as an actor, proving just how worth-while his youthful risk, all those years ago, truly was.
Rickman’s truly inspirational message is success through determination. Although some things may, at first, appear unlikely, if you care enough, and work hard enough, you may just get lucky. Of course, it is important to note that before taking this risk; Rickman completed his schooling, and even managed to secure a ‘fall-back’ career, in case of failure. So, whilst risk-taking is certainly admirable, a calculated risk is even more so. Rickman was undoubtedly a wonderful, and talented man, and although the world will certainly be poorer for his loss, perhaps we can use his life as inspiration to pursue our dreams.
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