Emma Thompson: 'Alan Rickman Was the Ultimate Ally'

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Alan Rickman (C) and Emma Thompson (R) pose with Laura Linney at the world premiere of the festive romantic comedy "Love Actually", in New York, November 6, 2003. ALBERT FERREIRA/REUTERS

Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson starred in seven films with Alan Rickman and on Thursday, shortly after the news of his death was announced, released the following statement.

Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because I have just kissed him goodbye.

What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humor, intelligence, wisdom and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word. The intransigence which made him the great artist he was—his ineffable and cynical wit, the clarity with which he saw most things, including me, and the fact that he never spared me the view. I learned a lot from him.

He was the finest of actors and directors. I couldn't wait to see what he was going to do with his face next. I consider myself hugely privileged to have worked with him so many times and to have been directed by him.

He was the ultimate ally. In life, art and politics. I trusted him absolutely.

He was, above all things, a rare and unique human being and we shall not see his like again.

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