"I do take my work seriously and the way to do that is not to take yourself too seriously’ ... Alan Rickman pictured last year in New York. Photograph: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Alan Rickman starred alongside Donald Pleasance, Nigel Hawthorne and Geraldine McEwan in the BBC TV serial The Barchester Chronicles. Photograph: Everett/REX/Shutterstock

She’s glorious to work with. She’s got a mind, a heart, a soul and a sense of humour’ ... Rickman on working with Kate Winslet. Photograph: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock

Alan Rickman on his role in the Harry Potter series. Photograph: Allstar/WARNER BROS