When I saw that the great Alan Rickman passed away on January 14, I had to re-read the article a few times before it really sank in. The legendary director and stage and screen actor lost the battle to cancer early in 2016, saying farewell just days after David Bowie’s death shocked the world. I, as many others my age, know Rickman best from his work in the Harry Potter movies as Professor Severus Snape. He completely embodied the character, bringing to life one of the most important characters in J.K. Rowling’s famous, widely read series.
No matter your opinion on the character, there is no argument about the actor who portrayed him. So, in honor of Rickman, his work, and his influence, here are some of the best and most memorable (and even comical) Snape moments from the Potter films (and this is by no means all-inclusive; to be honest, every scene of his is memorable in its own right).
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1. The introduction of his fabulous hair in the first movie (and, of course, the importance of this scene – as we later find out, he was actually trying to protect Harry).
2. Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without his most quotable line, said during his brief tenure as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
3. When he sassed Bellatrix beyond belief in the sixth movie.
4. This moment, in which Snape attempts to get Harry and Ron to focus on schoolwork. I don’t know why I’ve always loved it so much.
5. This one is also a favorite of mine. By the fifth and sixth movies he is just completely done with Harry and Ron, and doesn't hesitate to make them pay attention in his class.
6. This painful scene, which feels completely different once you get the backstory to it in the final movie.
7. The line delivered perfectly in that unique, telltale voice of his (and I know you can hear it in your head right now).
8. When he dropped the truth on Harry.
9. The (almost) duel of epic proportions. Professor McGonagall finally takes a stand against Snape, and he at first prepares to fight her, and then leaves to go rejoin Voldemort.
10. And finally, the line that never stops hurting, no matter how many times you’ve watched the movies or read the books.
Thank you for being a staple part of my childhood, Alan Rickman. Rest in peace.
