Alan Rickman, best known for his roles in the Harry Potter films and Die Hard, has died aged 69.

The much-loved British actor first shot to stardom in 1988 when he played Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis's adversary, in Die Hard.

Read: Alan Rickman: Key roles in pictures from Die Hard to Harry Potter

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

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."

Actor Alan Rickman and his partner Labour Councillor Rima Horton.

Rickman's death comes just months ahead of the release of a new film called Eye In The Sky in which he stars alongside Helen Mirren and Aaron Paul.

The thriller is set to open in UK cinemas on April 8, according to IMDb.

And the star had also completed another film set for release later this year called Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Just last year he revealed he had married his high school sweetheart after 50 years together.

Rickman had been in a relationship with Rima Horton since they met when he was 19 and she was 18.

The pair had been living together in London for 50 years, and Rickman revealed to German newspaper Bild last April that they recently tied the knot in secret.

Asked what the secret of his successful relationship was, though they were not married, he replied: ''We are married, just recently."

He added: "It was great because no one was there. After the wedding in New York, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate lunch."

Actors Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson at London's Ivy Restaurant, helping to launch ActionAid Week.

Rickman's CV showcases a glittering career spanning almost four decades and featuring a list of hit films.

He may be best known to older fans as sadistic terrorist Hans Gruber in Die Hard from 1988, or the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves from 1991.

But younger fans probably know him best for his turn as the morally ambiguous Snape in the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise.

Helen McCrory, Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet attending the UK premiere of the film, A Little Chaos at the Odeon Kensington, London.

A host of famous names have paid tribute to Harry Potter and Love Actually actor Alan Rickman.

Here are stars who have remembered him:

I do not want my heroes to die! Alan Rickman is dead & he was another hero. Alan – thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go — Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) January 14, 2016

All the beauty we have lost this week. There was never justice. Goodbye Alan Rickman. We shall miss you. — Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) January 14, 2016

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

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

Very sad to hear that Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the greatest actors of his generation. My thoughts are with his family & friends — Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) January 14, 2016

Gutted about alan rickman!!! What a wonderful actor!! — Brian Mcfadden (@BrianMcFadden) January 14, 2016