Alan Rickman dies, aged 69: Legendary screen villain of Harry Potter films and Die Hard loses battle with cancer

British actor Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69 after suffering from cancer, his family said Thursday.

Rickman, who won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, was well-known for his portrayal of villains during his his career as a film, television and theatre actor.

“The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends,” a family statement said.

A star whose arch features and languid diction were recognisable across the generations, Rickman started out in theatre and shot to international fame in 1988. He was offered the part of German terrorist mastermind Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis’s adversary, in “Die Hard” two days after arriving in Los Angeles at the age of 41.

Watch: Die Hard: Hans Gruber Meets McClane

Gruber was the first of three memorable baddies played by Rickman. His role of an outrageous sheriff of Nottingham in 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves earned him the BAFTA film award for best supporting role. Rickman’s turn as a terrifying Rasputin in the acclaimed 1995 HBO film won him in the Golden Globe for best actor in a miniseries or television film.