Legendary British actor Alan Rickman has died at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. Thousands of tributes have begun pouring in from across the globe, with the film star's name trending worldwide soon after the announcement was made.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling was among the many famous stars to pay tribute to the actor, with her statement receiving 20,000 retweets within five minutes.

There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 14, 2016

Among those also paying their respects to the Die Hard were manycelebrities, including Stephen Fry, Charlie Sheen, and Maze Runner actor Will Poulter. Co-stars from the Harry Potter films also remembered Rickman on Twitter, with the twins who played Fred and George Weasley both posting emotional messages about their time with "Professor Snape".

A number of British politicians have also weighed, with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and former Labour leader Ed Milliband both tweeting messages for the actor.

What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm & stunning screen & stage presence. He'll be sorely missed Why advertise with us January 14, 2016

Farewell my friend.Your kindness & generosity ever since we met in LA in 1987 & ever since is incalculable.XX pic.twitter.com/BCUkCxMFj5 — Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) 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

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

Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP. — Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) January 14, 2016

So sad to hear the news of Alan Rickman. A wonderful actor and lovely man. Tragic news. — David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) 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

we lost a genius today, Alan Rickman. This gentleman redefined the big screen villain, forever. RIP © #HansGruber https://t.co/JCGDAvoywK — Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) January 14, 2016

Rest In Peace Alan Rickman. Such sad news. A huge loss. — Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) January 14, 2016

Devistated about the death of Alan Rickman. A great Actor and a generous, kind man. — TOBY STEPHENS (@TobyStephensInV) January 14, 2016

So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. Honoured to have shared the screen with him. #Marvin #Snape He'll be sorely missed. — Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) January 14, 2016

Mortified to hear of the loss of yet another true great , the truly wonderful,original Alan Rickman .RIP pic.twitter.com/DsFPy9mUza — Sean Pertwee (@seanpertwee) 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

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

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

Another truly sad loss this week, I'm so shocked. Rest in peace Alan Rickman — Dean-Charles Chapman (@Dean_C_Chapman) January 14, 2016

#AlanRickman.. Auditioned me as a v young actor..he sent the most lovely, encouraging hand written note.. I still cherish it .. And him. RIP — Kevin McKidd (@TheRealKMcKidd) January 14, 2016

One of my very, very favourites. Huge loss. pic.twitter.com/a5iBzlepHH — amanda abbington (@CHIMPSINSOCKS) January 14, 2016

Such a lovely, kind, generous, funny and brilliant man. Thank you Alan Rickman for that and for so many flawless performances — mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) 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

Alan Rickman ? — Raleigh Ritchie (@RaleighRitchie) January 14, 2016

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