‘Harry Potter’ fans mourn the loss of Professor Snape -- actor Alan Rickman

As  the news of the death of Alan Rickman circulates, fans  of the British actor's most famous role – that of Professor Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" series – are speaking out on social media remembering the villian/hero.

Rickman gained big-screen fame first in the role as the villain Hans Gruber in "Die Hard." Rickman was a gifted actor, as well known for his work in the theater as he was for such movie roles as the sheriff of Nottingham in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," an unfaithful husband in "Love, Actually," and as the terrifying puppet master to royalty in "Rasputin."

Rickman, who was 69, died in London Thursday.