Alan Rickman became an overnight star in England when he played the hilariously jumped-up evangelical in “The Barchester Chronicles.” A comic star turn if ever there was one. That was 1982, the same time he was with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford - I travelled up there to see him in As You Like It and Troilus and Cressida.
Unfortunately,as talented and charismatic as he was, his star lost a little luster because of his relentless advocation of “Palestinian rights” and anti-Zionism. Tiring, boring and more than a little mendacious. I think his little troll of a girlfriend didn’t help.
Pancreatic cancer is indeed a scourge! I pray he didn’t suffer. May he rest in peace and I’m thinking of digging out my dvd of Barchester.
Was unaware of his stand on Palestinian Rights and Zionism. Hmmm. A little tarnish on that halo now. But still a spectacular actor. Have loved his performances sonce the 80’s. BTW, I bet that Benedict Cumberbatch is really hurting his career, ranting about ‘Syrian Refugees’ after every performance of Hamlet. Just returned from Britain and enjoyed a performance of CATS at the London Palladium.....no rants, just pure fun/entertainment!