Alan Rickman, the beloved British actor whose influence has spanned generations, passed away today after a battle with cancer. The 69-year-old actor was best known to recent generations as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, but also had notable roles in Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and in the cult favorite Galaxy Quest.

Fans of the Harry Potter series take the news of Rickman’s passing as a particular blow considering Snape’s tragic story of lost love and his heroic death. As the news spreads, photos and memories of the actor are making their rounds on the internet. See below for some of what is being said about the extraordinary actor.

One posting, in particular, strikes a chord and references something Snape says of his love for the deceased Lily Potter after Albus Dumbledore asks, “After all this time?”

We'll miss you, Alan Rickman. pic.twitter.com/BKIFbmJMKe

— Bustle (@bustle) January 14, 2016

Farewell, Alan Rickman. You will be missed. Always. https://t.co/x54PtMwxW3 #RIPAlanRickman pic.twitter.com/5PzNm5fX26

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 14, 2016

This loss comes during the same week that rock legend David Bowie died at the same age, and also of cancer. Many took to social to express their condolences.

Some of our Harry Potter favorites honored Rickman:

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

#alanrickman pic.twitter.com/4WXwnoUtM7

— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) January 14, 2016

Devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. I had the pleasure of working with him on my first movie. A true legend and gentleman.

— Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) January 14, 2016

Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time

— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) 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

So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. Honoured to have shared the screen with him. #Marvin #Snape He'll be sorely missed.

— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) 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

Others noted shock, admiration, sadness, and even added a little humor when remembering Rickman:

I do not want my heroes to die! Alan Rickman is dead & he was another hero. Alan – thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 14, 2016

What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 14, 2016

Alan Rickman. Incredible actor and director. Above all, the most generous, funny, loving friend to us. @Deborra_lee and I will miss you so .

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 14, 2016

The sneer that Alan Rickman gave to the Grim Reaper must've been DEVASTATING. #RIPAlanRickman

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 14, 2016

Oscar noms out. Couldn't care as Alan Rickman is gone & could have done every job on those movies as well, women included. Stunning talent.

— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) January 14, 2016

Dreadful to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. A wonderful actor and friend. What a sad day.

— Richard Madden (@_richardmadden) January 14, 2016

"I think there's some connection between absolute discipline and absolute freedom." -Alan Rickman #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/1a054ReaKl

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) January 14, 2016

we lost a genius today, Alan Rickman. This gentleman redefined the big screen villain, forever. RIP © #HansGruber https://t.co/JCGDAvoywK

— Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) January 14, 2016

Fans can still see two upcoming films featuring the award–winning actor: Eye in the Sky (as Lieutenant General Frank Benson), coming to theaters March 11, and Alice Through the Looking Glass (as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar) in 2016.