British actor Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69, it has been confirmed.

The star appeared in numerous hit films across several decades, including as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films and the villain Hans Gruber in the original Die Hard film.

Rickman's family confirmed the news on Thursday. He had been suffering from cancer before his death.

Rickman, who was born in Acton, west London, also played the sheriff in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, alongside Kevin Costner, and starred in 2003's Love Actually.

He attended Latymer Upper School and studied Graphic Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design, where he met Rima Horton, who became his life partner.

The much-loved British actor first shot to stardom in 1988 as Bruce Willis's adversary in Die Hard.

He gained legions of fans for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.

He also starred alongside Juliet Stevenson in 1990's Truly Madly Deeply and played the Sheriff of Nottingham in 1991's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Although often the villain, Rickman starred in a wide-range of films, showing off his comedic abilities in movies including Dogma, Galaxy Quest and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.