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.