LONDON – The Guardian in England has reported veteran actor Alan Rickman has died of cancer at the age of 69.

Rickman had reportedly been suffering from cancer.

The actor began his acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1978. He gained popularity with American audiences as bad guy Hans Gruber in 1988’s Die Hard and as the Sheriff of Nottingham in 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Rickman also played Professor Severus Snape in eight films in the Harry Potter series.

Rickman’s last role was as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar in Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass which comes to theaters May 27.