Alan Rickman (1946-2016) Tribute List

Actor Alan Rickman died on January 14, 2016 from cancer at the age of 69. For millions of people, Alan Rickman will forever be known as Severus Snape from the Harry Potter films. For others, he will be associated with Hans Gruber, the villian in the first Die Hard movie. An intimidating presence because you usually got the sense that he was the smartest one in the movie, Alan Rickman made a lasting contribution with these roles and others in films like Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sense and Sensibility and Love, Actually. Here are thirteen quotes from Alan Rickman's work and a few from his life.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. bankrupt
    financially ruined
    Uh, no, I'm afraid not. But, you have me at a loss. You know my name but who are you? Just another American who saw too many movies as a child? Another orphan of a bankrupt culture who thinks he's John Wayne? Rambo? Marshal Dillon?
    - Die Hard
    Here, "bankrupt" means "completely lacking in a quality or virtue" as in the phrase "morally bankrupt." A "bankrupt culture" would lack all positive qualities.
  2. efficient
    being effective without wasting time, effort, or expense
    Hans Gruber: [addressing the hostages] I wanted this to be professional, efficient, adult, cooperative. Not a lot to ask. Alas, your Mr. Takagi did not see it that way... so he won't be joining us for the rest of his life. We can go any way you want it. You can walk out of here or be carried out. But have no illusions. We are in charge. So, decide now, each of you. And please remember: we have left nothing to chance.
    - Die Hard
  3. inevitable
    incapable of being avoided or prevented
    For myself and a few select members of staff, this news comes as little surprise. We have for some time now considered Mr. Potter's return to Hogwarts as not merely possible, but inevitable.
    - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
  4. exquisite
    intense or sharp
    Harry Potter: You mean if he knows about it then, he'll be able to read my mind.
    Severus Snape: Read it, control it, unhinge it. In the past it was often the Dark Lord's pleasure to invade the minds of his victims, creating visions designed to torture them into madness. Only after extracting the last exquisite ounce of agony, only when he had them literally begging for death would he finally... kill them.
    - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  5. paternal
    characteristic of a father
    How touchingly paternal, Black. Perhaps Potter will grow up to be a felon, just like his godfather.
    - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  6. felon
    someone who has been legally convicted of a crime
    How touchingly paternal, Black. Perhaps Potter will grow up to be a felon, just like his godfather.
    - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  7. endure
    undergo or be subjected to
    Professor Snape: Do I detect a flicker of fear? Ah, yes. The Dementor's Kiss. One can only imagine what that must be like to endure. It's said to be nearly unbearable to witness, but I'll do my best.
    - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  8. insufferable
    extremely unpleasant or annoying
    That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Tell me, are you incapable of restraining yourself, or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?
    - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  9. predisposition
    an inclination in advance to react in a particular way
    However, for those select few... who possess, the predisposition... I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.
    -Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
  10. formidable
    extremely impressive in strength or excellence
    Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwart's in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention!
    - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
  11. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
    Don't lie to me! Gillyweed may be innocuous, but Boomslang skin? Lacewing flies? You and your little friends are brewing Polyjuice Potion, and believe me; I'm going to find out why!
    - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  12. maverick
    someone who exhibits independence in thought and action
    Maverick is a word which appeals to me more than misfit. Maverick is active, misfit is passive.
  13. lurch
    move suddenly or as if unable to control one's movements
    I've never been able to plan my life. I just lurch from indecision to indecision.
Created on Thu Jan 14 08:43:03 EST 2016 (updated Thu Jan 14 09:37:06 EST 2016)

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