Stars mourn Alan Rickman on social media

Famed British actor Alan Rickman passed away from cancer on Thursday

British actor Alan Rickman dead at 69 00:26

The entertainment community is mourning British actor Alan Rickman, a stage and screen actor best recognized as Professor Snape in the "Harry Potter" films. Rickman died at 69; his agent confirmed his death to CBS News on Thursday.

Alan Rickman, star of "Die Hard" and "Harry Potter" films, dies

Rickman's "Harry Potter" co-stars and author J.K. Rowling paid tribute to him on social media. Many of the actors from the franchise referred to him as a mentor.

There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you
Posted by Emma Watson on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest and most...
Posted by Daniel Jacob Radcliffe on Thursday, January 14, 2016

I was at Leavesden Studios today when I heard the news. As I walked through the canteen I thought of Alan queuing up for his lunch with us mere mortals. I recalled the trailer in which he offered me some of the greatest advice I ever received about this mad profession we shared. Being back in those corridors made me remember a lot of things and I will treasure those memories all my life. He inspired my career more than he ever knew and I'll miss him.

A photo posted by Matthew Lewis (@realmattdavelewis) on Jan 14, 2016 at 7:07am PST

Am not prepared for a world without Alan Rickman. Such a beautiful soul. He was so kind & generous in the moments he wasn't Snaping about.❤️
— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) January 14, 2016

Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016

Big hugs Potter family ❤️
— Afshan Azad (@afshan_azad) January 14, 2016

Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP.
— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016

Emma Thompson gave New York Times culture reporter Dave Itzkoff a statement on Rickman's death.

Emma Thompson on Alan Rickman: "Alan was my friend...this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye." pic.twitter.com/y64wsryeyQ
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) January 14, 2016

Of course, the "Harry Potter" stars were far from the only celebrities who memorialized Rickman; his peer, Ian McKellen, called him "matchless."

ALAN RICKMAN (1946-2016) There is so much that is matchless to remember about Alan Rickman. pic.twitter.com/x6cRB4VIIS
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) January 14, 2016

Director Kevin Smith, who worked with Rickman on "Dogma," wrote, "F***, this one hurts..." and dozens of other actors and artists wrote how much they admired Rickman's talent.

RIP #AlanRickman thank you for your incredible work and vision
— Luis Guzman (@IamLuisGuzman) January 14, 2016

"If only LIFE could be a little more tender and ART a little more robust." - Alan Rickman pic.twitter.com/kLfZEEJd2V
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) January 14, 2016

Oh dear. I just found out Alan Rickman died. He was in our subconscious thru all the part he played for so long. I am so sorry..
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) January 14, 2016

Feel so lucky to have worked with the legendary #alanrickman. May your continued journey take you to... https://t.co/UI373o44Au
— Malin Akerman (@MalinAkerman) January 14, 2016

no no no Alan Rickman :'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( rest in peace :(
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) January 14, 2016

"By Grabthar's hammer, by the suns of Worvan, you shall be avenged." --Sir Alexander Dane(Alan Rickman)-Galaxy Quest. U were one of the best
— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) January 14, 2016

Mourning the loss of consummate actor and KIND human #AlanRickman. RIP. And bring your wand.
— Marcia Gay Harden (@MGH_8) January 14, 2016

The World lost a treasure! Alan Rickman has died! Please see the movie, "Truly,Madly,Deeply!" It never left my heart pic.twitter.com/WinPaUPKQE
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) January 14, 2016

So sad to hear about #alanrickman, I feel lucky that I got to meet an artist that hugely inspired me. Rest in peace, sir.
— Kate Walsh (@katewalsh) January 14, 2016

sweet alan rickman. beautiful actor. beautiful man. 😔 xoxoxo pic.twitter.com/DTY1JctpNF
— Alanis Morissette (@Alanis) January 14, 2016

In complete shock that Alan Rickman has passed.. What a talent, RIP
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) January 14, 2016

Such a fine actor. Sad to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 14, 2016

#AlanRickman....really. Truly Madly Deeply remains the greatest movie about love, loss......and letting go. Severus Snape...from one actor to another, thanks for the inspiration. Well done. RIP

A photo posted by Viola Davis (@violadavis) on Jan 14, 2016 at 11:13am PST

Rickman is survived by his partner of 50 years, Rima Horton, whom he married in 2012. Funeral details were not immediately available.