Alan Rickman and David Bowie, two men born in London, England, less than a year apart, who transcended the art world in both film and music died earlier this month.
Rickman fell victim to pancreatic cancer on Jan. 14 and Bowie to cancer of the liver on Jan. 10. Both were 69 years old and left behind a legacy of work that is unlikely to be duplicated anytime soon.
Bowie, known for his work as a musician and cult film actor, was the mastermind behind songs and albums that sold an approximated 140 million across the world and that were certified platinum, gold or silver multiple times. Bowie’s final triumph in music was his latest album, “Blackstar,” which was released only two days before his death on his birthday, Jan. 8.
The music Bowie created is second only in his legacy to the wild personalities he created to accompany his albums, visual and live performances. Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane were just two of Bowie’s extravagant alter egos that would be unleashed during live performances and even flood into his personal life.
Bowie’s personal life became something akin to a tabloid explosion for almost five decades. Everything from his sexual orientation to his way of dressing became fodder for the entertainment media’s cannons.
Bowie will always be remembered for his music and his larger-than-life personality and will remain one of the largest influences on popular music for years to come.
Rickman is known to most Americans as the man behind Severus Snape, the ambiguous potions master from the Harry Potter series. Rickman, despite being best known for his work in the Harry Potter franchise, is one of the most respected actors of both stage and screen of his generation.
After studying acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England, Rickman spent years working in theater and became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Rickman will always be known as the tall, mysterious man with one of the deepest voices any actor has ever had. Those who knew him, however, see Rickman as a sweet man and an incredible role model.
In a tribute to Rickman, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe posted a message on social media that said “Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalist and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry.”
Bowie and Rickman will both be sorely missed by millions of fans around the world and the shrines created by fans in London for both men will likely continue to grow in their memories.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.