By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor
Tragically Alan Rickman,one of Britain’s if not the world’s favourite actors, has sadly passed away aged 69 of cancer.
He was known for many works including roles in Harry Potter, Die hard and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, however he was also known for “serious” acting and was well respected by the acting community as well.
A family statement read: “The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends.”
He regularly played the baddie in films, but in real life he had a warm playful side, which he showed during his last ever interview on US talk show Jimmy Fallon last summer.
He walked out on stage in front of the live studio audience, holding two inflated balloons, baffling the host.
Rickman said: “Well, the last time I was on this show, you asked if I was aware that people impersonated me.
“You said the very next night, Benedict Cumberbatch and you had what it is described as a Rickman-off.
“Now apparently, [helium balloons] are the Jimmy Fallon truth-telling machines. Now, I want to know what you have to say about that!”
The pair both then inhaled the helium from the balloons and conducted the rest of the interview in hilariously high-pitched voices.
A new film called Eye In The Sky in which he stars alongside Helen Mirren and Aaron Paul is set to be released in UK on April 8th
Watch the hilarious video (below)