British actor Alan Rickman, known to Harry Potter fans as Professor Severus Snape, has died at age 69. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling took to her very popular Twitter feed to share her reaction to the news, which she called shocking and devastating.
A few minutes later, the author shared another message, expressing her condolences to Rickman’s wife, Rima. After 40 years together, the couple wed in a secret, private ceremony in 2012.
Several of Rickman’s Harry Potter co-stars have shared tributes, memories and messages of mourning as well.
Alan Rickman: A Career in Pictures
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0
- How Elon Musk Became a Kingmaker
- The Power—And Limits—of Peer Support
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com