The Tragic Death of Alan Rickman and the Unexpected Heirs to His Massive Fortune
Alan Rickman, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles, including Severus Snape in Harry Potter, has left behind a remarkable legacy both on and off-screen. It has been revealed that Rickman, who passed away in January 2016 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69, left at least £4 million in his will. A significant portion of his estate was allocated to charity, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the arts and humanitarian causes.
The actor, who lived in west London with his wife Rima Horton, left the majority of his UK assets to her. Rima, 68, had been Alan’s partner since 1965, though they only officially married in 2012 in a private New York ceremony. Probate records show that Rickman’s UK estate amounted to £4,060,033, while his assets in the United States and Italy were managed separately. reported by the Express.
In addition to leaving his estate to his wife, Rickman’s will, written just three months before his death, included significant charitable donations. He allocated £25,000 each to four organisations close to his heart: the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Sponsored Arts for Education, the Facial Surgery Research Foundation (Saving Faces), and the International Performers Aid Trust. Furthermore, Rickman left £25,000 to each of his three nieces, showcasing his generosity towards both his family and causes he cared deeply about.
Known for his involvement with Saving Faces and the International Performers Aid Trust during his life, Rickman’s philanthropy further solidified his reputation as a principled and kind-hearted individual. His legacy was not only defined by his celebrated acting career but also by his dedication to improving the lives of others.
Rickman’s career began with the Royal Shakespeare Company after he graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He gained international fame in 1988 as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and went on to achieve further recognition with his BAFTA-winning role as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). However, for many fans, his portrayal of Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series remains his most iconic role.
One of Rickman’s final on-screen appearances was in the drone warfare thriller Eye in the Sky (2015), where he starred alongside Helen Mirren. He also voiced the character Absolem the Caterpillar in Alice Through the Looking Glass, released posthumously.
Reflecting on his passing, his wife Rima spoke about how Rickman’s legacy continues to live on through his generosity and unforgettable performances. In an interview, Rickman once reflected on aging, saying, “We all trip all our lives. It’s just when you get to my age, you can’t always get up again.”