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Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69. Celebrate his life and career with his best quotes. Pictured: Rickman at the World Premiere of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 2" on July 7, 2011 in London. Getty

The acting world has lost a veteran. Alan Rickman, who is best known for his roles in the “Harry Potter” franchise, “Sweeney Todd,” and “Die Hard,” lost his battle with cancer, his family confirmed Thursday. He was 69. Rickman is survived by his wife, Rima Horton.

In an effort to honor the British Golden Globe-winning film star, stage and TV actor, let's celebrate his life by recalling some of his most memorable quotes from on and off-screen.

  • “ You could ask any actor about their early days, and I think you know — if you decide you’re going to do it, and then you train and you’ve committed — you know there are going to be long periods out of work. And I wasn’t different than anybody else. I know there are some lucky young actors now, they get made a star in a minute, and you worry a little for the moment when that gets snatched away. It’s a different world now. I don’t remember it now, but I’m sure the difficult moments made me stronger, or at least that’s what I’ve trained myself to think." — Rickman on starting out as an actor, TheLeakyCauldron.org (June 2015)

  • “A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world." — Rickman, IFC.com.

  • “I want to swim in both directions at once. Desire success, court failure." — Rickman, via BrainyQuote.com.

  • “There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few who cherish… I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.” — Rickman as Severus Snape, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone."

Watch Rickman as Snape in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone":

  • “…The reality is that I've been all over the shop in terms of characters. Some people are never going to escape Sherlock Holmes, or the films the pervade the public consciousness. I think you have to be grateful for that.” — Rickman on being being pidegeonholed as a villain, DenOfGeek.Us (April 2015).

  • “Always." — Rickman as Serverus Snape, “Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows, Part 2."

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