Alan Colmes Dies; Fox News Host Was 66

For the second time in less than a week, Fox News has lost a beloved and respected colleague.

Just a few days after Brenda Buttner died after a battle with cancer, long-time host and reporter Alan Colmes has passed away from an undisclosed illness.

He was 66 years old.

Fox News Channel announced this sad new during America’s Newsroom on Thursday morning, while Colmes’ wife, Jocelyn, also released a statement about her husband’s death.

It reads as follows:

“Alan Colmes passed away this morning after a brief illness. He was 66 years old. He leaves his adoring and devoted wife, Jocelyn Elise Crowley.

“He was a great guy, brilliant, hysterical and moral. He was fiercely loyal, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his life with Jocelyn. He will be missed.

“The family has asked for privacy during this very difficult time.”

Colmes was born in New York City.

He graduated from Hofstra University with a degree from its School of Communications in 1971 and then started his professional career at WABC and WNBC prior to joining Fox as a liberal commentator in 1996.

Opposite conservative Sean Hannity, Colmes hosted Hannity and Colmes the same year Fox News Channel debuted.

“I’m truly heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend,” Hannity said in a statement, referring to Colmes as “one of life’s most decent, kind and wonderful people you’d ever want to meet.”

The series ran from 1996 until 2009, at which time Colmes left the post and Hannity took over as the show’s only anchor.

Megyn Kelly, who left Fox News for NBC earlier this year, Tweeted:

“Heartbroken my friend Alan Colmes has died. He lit up the FNC halls w/his kindness & humor. Incredibly positive force. Prayers 4 his family.”

Among other tributes:

Fox anchor Shannon Bream: “Very sad to report our friend and colleague @AlanColmes has passed away,” she wrote via Twitter.”

Don Imus: “God rest @AlanColmes. We laughed about everything for 30 years. I loved Alan.”

Glenn Beck: “RIP @AlanColmes. Shock. While is disagreed with him on many things he was a good and decent man. Indeed, all that matters in the end.”

And here’s a look at what others who knew Colmes well have had to say:

After leaving Hannity and Colmes, the latter continued to appear regularly on Fox, hosting a “Versus” segment where he took on significant political issues of the day.

He also maintained editing responsibilities for Alan.com.

The website has been devoted to the cable news landscape and political status quo, complete with a daily newsletter and hard-hitting radio show segments.

Colmes is survived by his wife.

We send our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Alan Colmes. 

May he rest in peace.

Below is a look at other celebrities who have died in 2017:

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam

ReadMore…

Alan Colmes -- "Hannity & Colmes" Star Dead at 66

Alan Colmes, half of the FNC hit show “Hannity & Colmes” died after a brief illness. Colmes teamed up with Sean Hannity in 1996 and became a cornerstone of Fox News Channel.  Colmes was the liberral and played against Hannity, a stalwart…

ReadMore…

Robin Thicke Backs Out of Celeb NHL All Star Game Honoring Alan

Robin Thicke was supposed to coach a team at the Celebrity shootout Saturday … part of the NHL All Star game honoring his dad, Alan Thicke, but he backed out at the last minute. Robin was slated to coach his brother, 19-year-old Carter, in…

ReadMore…

Robin Thicke Backs Out of Celeb NHL All Star Game Honoring Alan

Robin Thicke was supposed to coach a team at the Celebrity shootout Saturday … part of the NHL All Star game honoring his dad, Alan Thicke, but he backed out at the last minute. Robin was slated to coach his brother, 19-year-old Carter, in…

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke Chose Brother Over Robin as Carter"s Guardian

Alan Thicke made a decision years before his death, in which he chose his brother, Todd, over son Robin to care of his youngest son when he died. Alan drafted a will — obtained by TMZ — back in 2007 that created a guardianship for then 10-year-old…

ReadMore…

Cody Alan, CMT Star/Host, Comes Out as Gay

New year, new Cody Alan.

Actually, same old Cody Alan. But the Country Music Television star and host has made an announcement that may cause some fans to see him in a new light.

And that announcement is this:

He’s gay.

“2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you,” Alan wrote at the outset of a long caption to the above image on Instagram, adding:

“You see, I’m gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I’ve known about myself my whole life.”

In admirable, open fashion, he continued:

Through life’s twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I’ve landed on this day, a day when I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been.

And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years.

As we continue our journey, I hope this news won’t change how you see me.

I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here’s to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you.

Thanks again. With much heart, Cody.

Alan also talked in detail about his sexuality, his history and his reasoning for coming out now in an interview with People Magazine.

Said the iHeartRadio host to the publication:

“Though my TV or my radio persona was always that of a happy guy, there was this underlying ache inside of me for years, so I decided either I was gonna do something about it, or I was gonna live with this layer of misery underneath that happy face on the TV.”

How terrible is that?!?

That there are so many unhappy gay people out there, afraid to be their true selves?

“I’ve wanted to share this part of my life, but I now have gotten to the point where it just feels right, and I’m at peace with where I am enough to be able to express it,” Alan added.

Alan went on to say that he “struggled” with his sexuality from a very young age while growing up in South Carolina.

He said he was “ashamed.”

At the age of 24, he fully suppressed these feelings and tendencies and actually got married.

“It’s what everyone wanted me to do, and I felt, somehow, like maybe that’s what would make me straight – and obviously that’s not how it works! But I dreamed of that family, which I now have,” he explained to People.

Alan, indeed, is the father to an 18-year old and a 14-year old.

About a decade ago, Alan realized he couldn’t go on that way, however.

He had a long talk with his wife, he got a divorce and “I took very small steps to make my life better and get to the point where I could be happy.”

Over the years, Alan has confided privately in a few close friends and family members.

But he’s now decided to take a major, public step.

And he really hopes he can make a difference.

“I would like to be a voice that can speak to people who are facing challenges that we all face, for struggles that we all come across, because we’re all going through something,” he says.

“To be able to say: There is life, and you can find it, and take steps to improve yourself based on what you know… If I could be someone who’s vocal about facing struggles and overcoming them, I’d like to be.”

View Slideshow: 39 Celebrities Who Are Out and Proud!

We wish Cody Alan the very best of luck in his journey.

Good for him!

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke: Cause of Death Officially Confirmed

A week after his tragic passing, beloved actor Alan Thicke’s cause of death has been officially confirmed on the late star’s death certificate.

In truth, because he died after suffering a cardiac event in public, there wasn’t much mystery surrounding Alan Thicke’s cause of death.

He died of a “ruptured aorta” and a “standard type A aortic dissection,” according to Thicke’s official death certificate obtained by People.

Alan was 69 years old.

The document states that Thicke died mere minutes after his aorta ruptured; Alan had complained of chest pains while playing hockey.

He and his youngest son, Carter, were at Pickwick Gardens skating rink in Burbank, Calif., when the actor took himself out of the game.

He was in good spirits – asking his 19-year-old son to take a photo as he was taken out of the rink and to the hospital – until the end.

Shortly after arriving at the hospital, however, he passed away, triggering an outpouring of mourning and memories across the world.

Thicke, best known for his role on TV’s Growing Pains, as well as for being the affable guy he was, had no shortage of celebrity admirers.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Candace Cameron Bure, Leah Remini and Kirk Cameron were just a few of the many stars who have paid tribute.

Sunday, Thicke’s real-life sons Brennan, 41, Robin, 39, and Carter, 19, gathered with family and friends to remember one of the greats.

Attendees included members of the Growing Pains cast, and famous faces such as Bob Saget, Bill Maher, Alex Trebek and many more.

“Tonight’s memorial for Alan was just about perfect,” wrote Brennan’s wife Dolly, Alan’s daughter-in-law, of the Sunday memorial.

“So much family and so many historic friends came out to remember our beloved father-figure,” she added, and she’s not kidding. 

“We heard from our own Robin Thicke who brought up all dear dad’s best friends, Bob Saget, Bill Maher, Alex Trebek who I had no idea had such old deep ties to our family.”

“The entire cast of Growing Pains including Leo and Kirk Cameron who I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, along with his wife who became an instant friend.”

On Tuesday, Thicke’s wife, Callau, said in a statement:

“It is with gut wrenching sadness and unbelievable grief that I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time.”

“Through tears and smiles our dearest of family and friends came together at our home to celebrate the life of my sweet and devoted husband Alan Thicke.”

“Yesterday, along with my step sons and our combined extended family, we laid my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family to rest.”

“We ask that you respect our privacy during this time of profound mourning.”

R.I.P.

View Slideshow: Alan Thicke Dead at 69: Celebrities React

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke"s Cause of Death Was Ruptured Aorta (DOCUMENT)

Alan Thicke died of a “ruptured aorta” — essentially a heart attack — according to his death certificate. According to the official doc … doctors desperately tried to save Alan’s life by performing a median sternotomy — it’s a surgical…

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke: See His Widow"s Heartbreaking Statement

Oh, 2016, haven’t you done enough?!

We don’t know what this year’s problem is, but it takes and it takes and it takes, and it gives nothing back but empty hearts, broken souls, and America’s first Cheeto president.

One of this year’s most recent hits — and one of its hardest — happened last week with the loss of Alan Thicke.

The beloved Mr. Thicke was playing hockey with his 19-year-old son when he suffered a massive heart attack. He was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead soon after.

After the news broke that he had died, celebrities and fans alike shared their shock and sadness. It seems like most everyone who knew of his work or who had actually worked with him adored him.

And, needless to say, his family was heartbroken.

His youngest son, Carter — the one who was with Alan when he had his heart attack — got on Twitter that same day and wrote “Today I lost my best friend and my idol.”

“The world lost one of its finest,” Carter went on. “You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time.”

Alan’s older son, Robin Thicke, took to Instagram to say “My father passed away today. He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had.”

“Let’s all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in. We love you, Alan Thicke. Thank you for your love. Love, your grateful son.”

And now, Alan’s widow, Tanya Thicke, has made a statement of her own. And it’s rough.

“It is with gut wrenching sadness and unbelievable grief that I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time,” the statement begins.

“Through tears and smiles our dearest of family and friends came together at our home to celebrate the life of my sweet and devoted husband Alan Thicke.”

“Yesterday, along with my step sons and our combined extended family, we laid my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family to rest. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time of profound mourning.”

In the statement, Tanya is referencing Alan’s funeral, which was held on Monday at the couple’s home.

About the event, a source said that “The mood was very upbeat, it was more like a fun Vanity Fair Oscars party than a memorial.”

“All the speeches were fun and full of life. It was just the way Alan would have wanted it, more of a celebration of his life. Everyone was expressing how much they love him.”

For the funeral, Tanya asked that, instead of flowers, guests make donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which was something that Alan “cared about deeply.”

Here’s hoping that some of that grief gets easier for Tanya and her family.

View Slideshow: Alan Thicke Dead at 69: Celebrities React

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke Memorial Draws "Growing Pains" Cast, Including Leo DiCaprio (PHOTOS)

Alan Thicke’s TV family joined his real-life family to honor him Sunday night — and it looked like a full reunion of “Growing Pains.” Kirk Cameron, Joanna Kerns, Tracey Gold, Jeremy Miller … even Leo DiCaprio … all showed up for the memorial…

ReadMore…

Lisa Edelstein: Alan Thicke Died to Avoid Donald Trump!

Lisa Edelstein is a generally lovely woman, best known for her Bravo show, Girlfriends Guide to Divorce, and for playing Dr. Cuddy on House.

But today, she is known for being absolutely, unforgivably terrible.

As you’ve surely heard by now, Alan Thicke passed away on Tuesday afternoon after suffering a particularly intense heart attack.

He was playing hockey with his 19-year-old son, Carter, when he collapsed. An ambulance took him to a nearby hospital, and he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.

It’s been a very sad time — not only did his three children lose their father, not only did his wife of 11 years lose her husband, but we all lost a beloved celebrity.

Alan Thicke is gone from this world, it’s very upsetting … and enter Lisa Edelstein.

While tons of other celebs have been sharing their own memories and condolences and the like, Lisa thought it was appropriate to share this on Twitter:

Yes, she actually did type out the words “RIP Alan Thicke. Seems like everyone is checking out before the Trumpacolypse,” and then she thought those words were good to share with the internet right now.

Where do we even start?

While we gather our thoughts, let’s check out a few responses Lisa received on Twitter.

One person pointed out that “1) he was Canadian. 2) A family lost a husband and a father. This is NOT the time for politics.”

Another described Lisa’s words as a “Soulless Tweet By Morally Bankrupt C Class ‘Celebrity."”

“The man died in front of his 17yr old son a week before Christmas, but lol Trump right?” one sassy soul tweeted.

“I’ll be embarrassed for you since you clearly lack the capacity to absorb your own insensitivity. Gross.”

“Absolutely insensitive and unnecessary. Someone’s father, husband & grandfather died today. Do not politicise it.”

“Is that supposed to be clever? Geez, give your head a shake; TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AND CALLOUS!”

“You should be ashamed using someone’s death as a political soapbox. No class. No respect.”

“Quick! Call HOUSE.. Somebody needs a sensitivity transplant!”

Boy, you really came through on this one, Internet.

Look, we get it. The fact that Donald Trump is all set to become our actual president is upsetting and confusing and scary. And it’s OK to be scared.

But there’s a time and place for everything. There’s a time to joke, and there’s a time to be respectful, and Lisa here seems to have a hard time understanding that right now.

Hopefully she’ll be able to understand the error of her tweets, and in the future, she won’t be so insensitive.

But right now … damn, Lisa, you really deserve this dragging.

View Slideshow: Alan Thicke Dead at 69: Celebrities React

ReadMore…

Leonardo DiCaprio Pays Touching Tribute to Alan Thicke

Last night, the world learned that beloved sitcom star Alan Thicke passed away after suffering a massive heart attack while playing hockey with his son.

Thicke has been mourned by millions on social media, including many celebrities who knew the actor personally.

Of course, despite his many roles over the years, Thicke remains best known as Jason Seaver on the long-running ABC series Growing Pains – a show that also launched the career of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t an original member of the Growing Pains cast, but he’s often said that when he signed on in the show’s final season, at the age of 16, he was welcomed like family.

Today, the Oscar-winner posted a moving tribute to Thicke on his Facebook page:

“Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model. He knew how to harness the power of the entertainment industry to be a positive influence in so many lives – including mine.

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Alan early in my career. He had tremendous class, a huge heart, and he taught me and so many others the valuable lessons about humility and gratitude.

“I’ve seen him a number of times over the years and when Alan Thicke walked in the room, quite frankly, no one was cooler. I miss him already – my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thicke family during this difficult time.”

Actor Kirk Cameron, who starred on the show as Thicke’s son, Mike Seaver, also shared come kind words about one of his first co-stars on social media:

“I spent Monday through Friday for seven important years with Alan Thicke as my ‘TV dad.’ I’m shocked and truly heartbroken today at the news of his death,” Cameron wrote on Instagram.

“Alan was a generous, kind and loving man. I am so blessed to have grown up with him. Chelsea and I send our love and prayers to his family tonight. We will cherish the memories…’sharing the laughter and love."”

Thicke is survived by three children, including his eldest son, pop singer Robin Thicke.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke Joked with Michael Vartan Minutes Before Heart Attack

Alan Thicke was on the ice joking around with actor Michael Vartan about the quality of coffee at the rink just minutes before the “Growing Pains” star was stricken by a heart attack … TMZ has learned. Vartan tells us, he was at Pickwick Ice in…

ReadMore…

Nicole Arbour: Alan Thicke Was an Ass-Grabbing Perv!

Last night, the world received news that beloved sitcom star Alan Thicke had passed away after suffering a heart attack while playing  ice hockey with his son.

Millions have mourned Thicke on social media, many of them celebrities who knew the actor personally and shared firsthand of accounts of his warmth and generosity.

Nicole Arbour was not one of those celebrities.

You might remember Arbour from her vile attempt at viral fame, “Dear Fat People“, which earned her the title of “deplorable” months before racists in red baseball caps brought the word back into fashion.

Arbour has spent the past year doing everything in her power to claw her way up from Z-list obscurity, including trash-talking actual celebrities and forming unintentionally hilarious hip hop groups with obscure reality stars.

She’s never one to let a trending hashtag slip through her fingers, so it’s not surprising that she tweeted about the passing of Alan Thicke.

What is surprising is the alleged nature of her sole encounter with Thicke:

This morning, Arbour tweeted and deleted the above allegation that Thicke sexually harassed while she was working as a model.

Obviously, this is a complex issue.

Matters of sexual assault and harassment should always be brought to light, but maybe leveling an accusation via hashtag less than 24 hours after the alleged perpetrator’s death isn’t the best way to handle the situation?

Of course, Arbour’s ongoing attempts to make a career out of online trolling and harassment likely won’t help her case in the court of public opinion.

But should the timing of the tweet and Arbour’s past have any impact on her right to share her experience? 

Absolutely not.

But that doesn’t mean that you’re victim-shaming if Arbour’s need to hashtag Thicke’s name and level the charge while he’s still a trending topic leaves a bit of a bad taste in your mouth.

Given her well-established desire for online fame, it’s likely that many will question Arbour’s motives in going public with allegations against Thicke.

We’d like to caution against that, as it’s an extremely slippery slope that leads to the sort of disgusting incentive-questioning we saw in the cases of Bill Cosby and Donald Trump.

Instead, we prefer to think that Arbour quickly realized there was something vaguely skeevy about the tweet, hence why she quickly deleted it.

Again, it’s her right to  state her case however she sees fit.

But we can’t help but think there are better ways for Arbour to make her accusation.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten

ReadMore…

Gilbert Gottfried Does Alan Thicke Impression, Honors Friend"s Sense Of Humor (VIDEO)

Gilbert Gottfried was a regular on Alan Thicke’s late night ’80s talk show “Thicke of the Night” and they spent a lot of time cracking jokes about Alan’s singing. Gilbert was out in NYC just hours after TMZ broke the news about Thicke’s sudden…

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke: Cause of Death Revealed

Beloved Growing Pains star Alan Thicke died yesterday, and while he was 69, he was known for the spirit and personality of a much younger man.

On the tragic flip side, the actor’s youthful energy, enthusiasm and lifestyle may have indirectly played a role in his unexpected, tragic death.

Thicke’s cause of death can be attributed to an extreme heart attack while playing ice hockey, a longtime passion of his, in Los Angeles.

Alan and his youngest child, 19-year old son Carter, often played hockey together in Burbank, Calif., and were doing so again yesterday.

Around 11 a.m., Alan started feeling pain in his chest.

He grew nauseous and vomited, according to TMZ, and Alan was transported to Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center around noon.

He was pronounced dead there shortly after.

Following a medical examination of Thicke, doctors concluded that some of his organs could be donated, according to law enforcement.

As for some of the star’s final words?

An employee at the Pickwick Ice Rink told NBC Los Angeles that Thicke joked to Carter to “take a picture” as paramedics rolled him out.

Thicke, a native of Ontario, is survived by his three sons, Carter, Brennan, and most famously, the “Blurred Lines” singer Robin Thicke.

He earned a Golden Globe nomination for Growing Pains in 1988, having won acclaim for his portrayal of Dr. Jason Seaver in the series.

The actor also had a pair of Emmy Award nominations to his name for The Barry Manilow Special (1977) and America 2-Night (1978). 

Thicke could be seen in Fuller House and, if you watch This Is Us online, you recall that he recently played himself on the pilot on NBC.

Watch This Is Us Season 1 Episode 1 Online

Alan was married three times, to Gloria Loring from 1970 to 1984, to Gina Tolleson from 1994 to 1999, and Tanya Callau, since 2005.

Thicke was a frequent guest on talk shows and game shows, and in the early 1980s, hosted his own, fittingly called The Alan Thicke Show.

Many fans probably don’t know that he was also a composer, writing themes for Diff’rent Strokes, The Facts of Life and other shows.

Thicke’s most recent project was The Clapper, in which he plays himself (a fine person to play) alongside Amanda Seyfried and Ed Helms.

His family also starred in the reality series Unusually Thicke.

He will be missed! Not surprisingly, Thicke’s death has led to an outpouring of support on social media. See some of the tributes here:

View Slideshow: Alan Thicke Dead at 69: Celebrities React

ReadMore…

Alan Thicke Dead at 69: Celebrities React

Alan Thicke and his death sent a shockwave through social media, as an immediate reaction of celebrities expressing their shock and condolences at the beloved actors passing occurred.

Thicke died of a heartattack after playing hockey with his 19-year-old son, Carter. The actor was 69 years old. 

Thicke"s most memorable role was as Dr. Jason Seaver of Growing Pains, in which he starred from 1985-1992.

See the heartfelt celebrity reactions to the death of Alan Thicke.

 

1. Carter Thicke

“Today I lost my best friend and my idol,” Thicke’s youngest son, who was with him when he died, wrote on Twitter. ” The world lost one of its finest. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time.”

2. Gloria Loring

On Facebook, Gloria Loring — Thicke’s first wife and mother of Robin Thicke — wrote, “Dear Friends, Thank you for your kindness concerning Alan Thicke’s passing. It is a shock. We were all just together for Thanksgiving. He was talented, funny and deeply devoted to his family. Rest In Peace, dear one.”

3. Paula Patton

Paula Patton, Robin Thicke’s ex-wife, posted a quote from Mother Teresa on Twitter. It read, “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”

4. Bob Saget

“So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan.”

5. Candace Cameron Bure

Candace shared the above photo on Instagram with the caption, “I’m sad beyond words that Alan Thicke has passed away. I’ve known you since I was 8 years old and so glad I had the pleasure of working with you again so recently on Fuller House. You were a part of my family and hockey family. You will be greatly missed. My heart hurts.”

6. Lori Loughlin

Fuller House actress and ’80s and ’90s TGIF staple, Lori Loughlin, expressed her sentiments on Twitter. She wrote, “I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan.”

View Slideshow
ReadMore…

Alan Rickman Dies; Iconic Actor Was 69

Alan Rickman – the British actor best known for his villainous roles in such blockbuster films as Die Hard and the Harry Potter series – has passed away at the age of 69.

According to a statement, Rickman had been battling cancer. He reportedly passed away at his home in London this morning.

“The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends,” the statement from his loved ones reads.

RIckman found success as an actor relatively late in life, winning a Tony Award for his work in Les Liaisons Dangereuses in 1988.

That same year, Rickman struck box office gold with his role as Hans Gruber in the action classic Die Hard.

Between that oft-quoted performance (“Now I have a machine gun…Ho, ho, ho.”) and his role in Love Actually, Rickman’s one-of-a-kind voice has become a Christmastime staple in homes all over the world. 

Of course, it was his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films that would enable the master of the deadpan delivery to frighten a whole new generation.

Just last year, Rickman revealed that he had married Rima Horton – his partner since 1965 – at a small civil ceremony in 2012.

Truly one of the most beloved and influential character actors in movie history, Rickman has already inspired thousands of social media tributes from friends, fellow actors, and his generations of fans.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016