In the Harry Potter books and films, the station is a magical platform that only wizards can use to catch the train to Hogwarts. Now Kings Cross station is a moving reminder of just how loved Alan was.
Potter Fans raised their wands to the actor at Hogwarts castle.
Emma Thompson, Rickman’s Harry Potter co-star, led the high profile tributes, which came flowing in from the entertainment industry saying:
“What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. The intransigence which made him the great artist he was – his ineffable and cynical wit, the clarity with which he saw most things, including me, and the fact that he never spared me the view.
I learned a lot from him. He was the finest of actors and directors. I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do with his face next. I consider myself hugely privileged to have worked with him so many times and to have been directed by him.
He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely. He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again.”
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, said she was shocked and devastated. “He was a magnificent actor and a wonderful man,” she said. She posted this on her twitter account:
Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have all lit up with messages of sorrow.