Daniel Radcliffe and J.K Rowling lead tributes to Alan Rickman

Daniel Radcliffe and J.K Rowling have paid tribute to British actor Alan Rickman, who passed away on 14 January at the age of 69 after a secret battle with cancer. Daniel paid a particularly poignant and moving tribute to the star, who he described as "undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with", as well as "one of the loyalist and most supportive people I've ever met in the film industry"."He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter," he wrote. "I'm pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn't have to do that.

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Daniel Radcliffe has paid a moving tribute to Alan Rickman

"I know other people who've been friends with him for much longer than I have and they all say, 'If you call Alan, it doesn't matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he's doing, he'll get back to you within a day. "Daniel continued: "People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner (or downright scary) characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass.

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J.K Rowling said she had "no words" to express her sadness

"As an actor, he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child. Working with him at such a formative age was incredibly important and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career. Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man."

Emma Watson paid tribute on Facebook

Harry Potter author J.K also paid tribute to Alan, stating that there were "no words" to express her sorrow following the death of the screen star, who famously played her character, Professor Severus Snape, in the film franchise.Writing on Twitter, she told her fans: "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."Emma Watson remembered the screen star on Facebook, writing: "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."

Matthew Lewis shared a touching message on Instagram

Matthew Lewis – who starred as Harry Potter’s Neville Longbottom – shared a snapshot of himself and Alan together on Instagram. "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," he said.

"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 number of famous names outside of the Harry Potter franchise have also taken to Twitter to share their shock and sorrow at the loss of Alan, including Stephen Fry, who tweeted: "What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed."

The actor's death was also mourned across the pond, with Charlie Sheen was among the first to express his condolences. "We lost a genius today, Alan Rickman. This gentleman redefined the big screen villain, forever, RIP. #HansGruber," he wrote, in reference to Alan's infamous Die Hard character.Jamie Lee Curtis also took to Twitter, telling fans: "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."

Britain-born Kim Cattrall tweeted: "Some actors you work with you will never forget. RIP The wonderful Alan Rickman xo. "The sad news comes just days after the death of David Bowie – who also passed away from cancer at the age of 69. Eddie Izzard, who publicly mourned the death of David, again took to Twitter to pay tribute to the British actor. "I do not want my heroes to die!" he wrote. "Alan Rickman is dead & he was another hero. Alan – thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go."