Big Screen in the Sky- Alan Rickman

Talented British character actor, Alan Rickman has passed away from cancer at age 69.
Shooting to fame as the baddie in Die  Hard (1988), Rickman's snarl and condescending tone were a sort of gold standard when playing world-weary intellectuals. In a case of "born to play the role", Rickman's turn as Professor Snape in the wildly popular Harry Potter film series fully realized the character to the point it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the complex villain.

Here are a couple films I particularly loved featuring Rickman:

Galaxy Quest (1999)- Rickman is a scream as Leonard Nimoy-esque actor, Alexander Dane, who despite his Shakespearean chops, has spent his acting life playing alien scientist Dr. Lazarus on a popular sci-fi television show. By Grabthar's Hammer you shall be avenged, indeed!

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007): Playing the wicked Judge Turpin in Tim Burton's cinematic verison of the Sondheim classic, Rickman growled through his musical numbers to evil effect.

Bottle Shock (2008): Rickman is delightful as wine expert Steven Spurrier who uncovers the California chardonnay (thank you god!) and brings it to the attention of European wine snobs. This hidden gem is as light as a pinot grigio with Chris Pine and Bill Pullman joining in the winemaking.

Cheers to you Alan Rickman.