Alan Rickman bows out at the 69 club

In a week filled with mourning over British icon David Bowie, news of another talented performer’s death has once again shocked the nation. Sadly it has been confirmed that Alan Rickman has passed away at the age of 69, the same age as Bowie.

The critically acclaimed actor has won a BAFTA, Golden Globe and an Emmy in a glittering career spanning in excess of 30 years. In most recent times many may know him for his role as Professor Severus Snape, in which he captured a new and younger generation of fans. Cult fans will remember him for his role as the bad guy in Die Hard.

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

Coincidentally Rickman, who was the same age as Bowie, also fell at the hands of cancer prompting a new term, ‘the 69 club’, in reference to ‘the 27 club’ in which those who are considered members were famous and died at that age.

The world has lost another talented star Alan Rickman but his films should go on to cement a legacy in the history of the big and small screen. RIP.