He was born to Irish and Welsh parents in 1946. He attended the Royal College of Art; he wanted to be a graphic artist. At age 26 he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where he spent 3 years. Started out in the theatrical version of "Dangerous Liaisons" His first major film was Die Hard (1988) where he was cast as Hans Gruber.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#34). [1995]

Ranked #59 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]

Has been in a relationship with Rima Horton since the 1965. The pair share a home in London. Rima Horton has retired from her lecturing position, and lost her seat on the council she worked for in the local elections of May 2006

Although a highly successful film actor, he has frequently passed up film offers to return to the theater. (A place and activity which he calls "magical" and his "first love".)

Nominated for Tony award as Best Actor for Broadway revival of "Private Lives", May 2002.

Was given the role of Professor Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) only after Tim Roth backed out.

He became well-known to the American public with his performance as Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988).

Studied graphic design before becoming an actor.

Named Best Stage Actor for his part in the acclaimed revival of the Noel Coward play Private Lives at The Variety Club Show business Awards 2002.

Father died when he was 8 years-old.

Is the second of four children in his family. He has an older brother, a younger brother and a younger sister.

While filming Die Hard (1988), was found proficient at mimicking American accents; a scene in which Hans Gruber and John McClane finally meet was then added to the script.

Made Vice-Chairman of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2003.

When he was a child, he had a speech disability: his lower jaw was very tight, causing his words to be indistinctive and muffled. He still has a slight speech impediment, it is the tight lower jaw which gives him his distinctive drawl.

Was offered the role of Leonardo Leonardo in the 2000 cartoon based on Kevin Smith's film Clerks. (1994). Originally, the character was modeled after Hans Gruber, but the design was changed upon Rickman's request. The studio decided not to go with Rickman, and the role went to Alec Baldwin.

He was nominated for a 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor of 2001 for his performance in "Private Lives" at the Albery Theatre, London.

He was nominated for a 2001 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in Private Lives at the Albery Theatre.

For the shot where Hans Gruber falls from the top of the building in Die Hard (1988), was actually dropped by a stuntman from a 20-foot high model onto an air bag. To get a genuine surprised look, the stunt man dropped him on the count of two instead of three.

In Die Hard (1988), he is seen firing a gun only once (in the atrium when Gruber realizes Holly is John's wife), due to his uncontrollable habit of flinching when the gun recoiled. In that scene he blinks just before the camera cuts.

Was voted #19 in Empire Magazine's Greatest Living Movie Stars over the age of 50.

Was active in raising funds for the Labour Party.

Was twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaisons Dangereuses", and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward's "Private Lives".

Two of the Harry Potter films (so far) also feature Warwick Davis as Professor Flitwick. In The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), Rickman and Warwick Davis play the same part. Warwick Davis wore the robotic suit for Marvin, while Rickman provides the voice.

His portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988) earned him a spot on the American Film Institute's list of the "100 Best Heroes/Villains" as the 46th best villain in film history.

Is good friends with Adrienne Clarkson, Canada's former Governor General. Rickman visited Adrienne Clarkson's Ottawa, Ontario home in May 2005.

Says Canada is like a second home.

Failed his California driving test at one point for "driving too cautiously through a green light"

Was twice nominated for an Laurence Olivier Award as Best Actor (Play): in 1987 for "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," and in 2002 for a revival of Noel Coward's "Private Lives".

Good friend of 'Sharman MacDonald' .

He is 11 years older than Timothy Spall, 12 years older than Adrian Rawlins and Gary Oldman, 17 years older than David Thewlis, and 21 years older than Geraldine Somerville. Nevertheless, the character that the six of them play in the Harry Potter films are meant to be contemporaries and former classmates.

Was J.K. Rowling's personal favorite to play Severus Snape.