Alan Rickman: JK Rowling pays tribute to ‘magnificent actor and wonderful man’

(Rex)

JK Rowling has paid tribute to Alan Rickman, calling him a "magnificent actor" and a "wonderful man".

Rickman passed away surrounded by his family after suffering from cancer. His death was confirmed by his relatives in a statement on Thursday.

Rowling said there are no words to express her "shock and devastation" at his passing.

The author sent her condolences to Rickman's partner Rima, who he met at 19, and the rest of his family.

Rickman played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter franchise from 2001 to 2011.

In 2011 Rickman reportedly wrote a letter in Empire magazine which thanked Rowling for her "storytelling".

"It is an ancient need to be told stories," he wrote, "But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo."