News Feed : British actor Alan Rickman know as teacher Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” has died

British actor Alan Rickman, a veteran of film and stage known for roles in "Die Hard," "Love Actually" and the "Harry Potter" films, has died.

Alan Rickman has died aged 69 after suffering from cancer.

News of his death was confirmed to NBC News by Rickman's agent.

"He was surrounded by family and friends," a statement from his family read, according to Reuters.

Rickman was trained at Britain's prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and went on to frequently play the bad guy on stage and screen. He earned a Tony nomination for his 1985 performance as scheming French aristocrat Vicomte de Valmont in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

His Hollywood star turn came after Rickman played the villain in "Die Hard," and the actor went on to win an Emmy award and Golden Globe in 1996 for his portrayal of Rasputin.

In 2004, he earned an Emmy nomination for an outstanding lead actor for his role in "Something the Lord Made."

But millions came to know him from his role as Dark Arts teacher Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" films, where he played the teenage wizard's nemesis and occasional ally.

This article originally appeared on nbcnews.com