The world has been reacting to the death of Alan Rickman.

A family statement said: "The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends."

The esteemed English actor had countless outstanding performances in huge films. Most notably as the complex bad guy, Hans Gruber, in Die Hard, the intimidating wizard, Severus Snape, in the Harry Potter film series and as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Tributes have flooded in from around the world for the loveable one-of-a-kind actor. Stephen Fry, David Schneider, Gabby Logan, E L James, Eddie Izzard, Piers Morgan, Seth Myers, and Boy George have all tweeted their love and condolences for Alan Rickman.

What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 14, 2016

He did so much brilliant work but Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest: one of the greatest comedy performances ever. RIP pic.twitter.com/E9sNR4rG8E

— David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 14, 2016

Dreadful to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. A wonderful actor and friend. What a sad day.

— Richard Madden (@_richardmadden) January 14, 2016

Oh no Alan Rickman has died. Very sad news.

— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) January 14, 2016

pic.twitter.com/Nrwfbvlnp6

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 14, 2016

RIP Alan Rickman. You will be missed. #TrulyMadlyDeeply

— E L James (@E_L_James) January 14, 2016

Shocked & sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I've ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time

— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) January 14, 2016

David Bowie dead from cancer at 69. Now Alan Rickman dead from cancer at 69. Two great talents, one bloody awful disease.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 14, 2016

Another bright light goes out. RIP Alan Rickman.

— David Harewood (@DavidHarewood) January 14, 2016

There are few things I enjoyed more than watching Alan Rickman sigh in a movie. RIP

— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) January 14, 2016

If people want to know who I am, it is all in the work. Alan Rickman

— David Harewood (@DavidHarewood) January 14, 2016

So sad to hear that we’ve lost Alan Rickman. What a brilliantly talented man. Countless amazing performances. What a sad week.

— Tom Fletcher (@tommcfly) January 14, 2016

Goodbye Alan Rickman. You were genius in Harry Potter.

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) January 14, 2016