MANILA, Philippines – Real life couple Daniel Matsunaga and Erich Gonzales admitted that they have talked about marriage, but clarified that they will wait for the right time. (READ: How Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga became an item)

In the press conference for their upcoming show Be My Lady partly aired on ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda, Daniel said that he's been working non-stop to build a house for his family, and at the same time, save up for his and Erich's future.

"I'm working on it. You know, I'm really working on my future in the Philippines. I told everyone na dito talaga ang plano ko (my plan is to remain here), to stay here and bring my family here....I'm working double time sa lahat (on everything)," Daniel said.

As for the subject of marriage, Daniel said: "Oo naman, s'yempre, pag may plano ka (Yes of course, if you have plans). Mahal ko siya. Mahal na mahal ko siya (I love her. I really love her so much) and let's wait for the right time. God has really his own time. And you know, I waited 3 years for this relationship and why not wait a little bit more." 

Erich, for her part, said: "That's a lifelong commitment. And dapat ready po tayo dyan (we should be ready for that) mentally, financially, emotionally, and right now po, we just want to enjoy things."

Erich in the same interview said that being together in their new show, Be My Lady, has strenghten their relationship.

"Mas napapatunayan ko talaga na si (I've really proven that) Daniel, he is worth everything; he's the best thing that ever happened to me. I have no regrets, masaya (I'm happy). Thank you, Lord. I just thank God for him, for his life – everything," she said.

Meanwhile, in an interview on Tonight With Boy Abunda aired on Monday, January 11, both Erich and Daniel said that working with each other is not hard at all. 

"Ako po Tito Boy hindi mahirap kasi (For me, Tito Boy, it was not hard because) well, I get to do what I love to do which is acting at the same time with the person that I love," Erich said.

"Wala kaming away-away (We don't have fights)….We’re very happy, very positive. We’re getting stronger every day,"Daniel said.

Daniel also said that it helps he and Erich talk to each other when they have misunderstandings. The couple confirmed last May that they have been dating.  (READ: Daniel Matsunaga opens up about relationship with Erich Gonzales)

"Lahat ho nung maliliit na bagay (The small things), we try to cut it from the roots. If there’s any misunderstanding, we try to talk and fix things," he said.

In Be My Lady, Erich plays Pinang, a young woman with dreams who will do everything for her family. Daniel, meanwhile is Phil, a Brazilian-Japanese based in Singapore, who comes to the Philippines for a wedding and meets Pinang. He falls in love with Pinang and with the Philippine culture.

Directed by Theodore Boborol, Be My Lady also stars Janice de Belen, Al Tantay, and Priscilla Mereilles. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – She may have pulled out of the upcoming movie version of Darna, but for her fans, Angel Locsin will always be the iconic female superhero.

In an interview with reporters during the press conference and taping of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 at the Kia Theater on Tuesday, January 12, Angel tried to control her emotions as fans outside of the theater started chanting "Darna!" while she was doing her spiels for the show.

"Nakakaiyak… s’yempre, 'yung pinaghirapan ko rin naman iyon sa ginawa ko. Kaya nakakatuwa na tumatatak pa rin sa tao. 'Di ko makakalimutan 'yung pagmamahal na binigay nila," Angel said of the fans. 

(It's very heartwarming... Of course, I worked so hard on that. So I'm very happy that I made an impression on the people. I'll never forget the love they've been giving.)

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angel on hearing people chanting Darna during the presscon. <a href="https://t.co/N7tCOLYQU2">pic.twitter.com/N7tCOLYQU2</a></p>&mdash; alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/686791889194889216">January 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Angel also said she is happy that boyfriend Luis Manzano has been very supportive of her. In one of his posts, Luis said Angel will always be Darna for him.

"Alam niya na importante 'yung project para sa akin. Kung ano 'yung makakapagpasaya sa akin, iyon din yung gusto niya," Angel said.

(He knows how important the project is to me. Whatever makes me happy, he also wants it for me.) 

Last October, Angel and ABS-CBN announced that she was no longer playing Darna in the movie being produced by Star Cinema, after she suffered a disc bulge while training for the film.

In an interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda, Angel said that while she was sad about it, she has no regrets about training to do her own stunts in her TV shows and films.

The actress recently went to Singapore, where she underwent treatment for her disc bulge.

It was reported that a teaser of the movie was already shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival, where two Star Cinema films – All You Need is Pag-Ibig and Beauty and The Bestie – participated.

Star Cinema has yet to announce Angel's replacement.

Pilipinas Got Talent

While she may not be Darna anymore, Angel opens 2016 as judge in season 5 of Pilipinas Got Talent. Known for having a kind and sweet personality, the actress said she will be nice to the contestants, but also honest.

"Mabait na may topak. 'Yun na 'yon," Angel said of her judging style. "Way back, nagkaroon din kasi ako ng opportunity na magpakita ng talent so may nagbigay sa akin ng chance. So ngayon gusto ko sana suklian kung ano man binigyan na chance sa akin nung tao."

(Nice but crazy. Way back, I had the opportunity to show my talent to those who gave me a chance. So now, I want to pay it forward.)

As a judge, Angel said she is looking for a world-class talent with the qualities of a star.

Angel joins former ABS-CBN boss Freddie "FMG" Garcia, Robin Padilla, and Vice Ganda as this season's judges. Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford are returning as hosts.

The show has produced talents such as Season 1 winner Jovit Baldivino, Season 2's Marcelito Pomoy, and Season 4's Roel Manlangit. 

The fifth season of Pilipinas Got Talent is set to air soon, with auditions now ongoing in Manila and other parts of the country. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom  – Music legend David Bowie was famously private during his lifetime – and in death, as a string of questions about the circumstances of his passing remained unanswered on Tuesday, January 12.

His official social media accounts had announced the shock news of his death at 69 on Monday: "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer," adding a request for privacy for the grieving family.

Little information was available on how or where he died, and requests for comment to Bowie's record company Columbia Records were not answered. (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands

Born and raised in south London, Bowie was a long-time resident of New York and some British media reported that he had died there. (READ: Stars mourn David Bowie's death)

But the New York Post claimed that the "Heroes" and "Life On Mars?" singer had "passed away at his London home".

With no official comment available, Bowie's place of death remained a mystery, as did funeral arrangements.

Yet a small circle of close collaborators were aware that the iconic performer, who repeatedly reinvented himself across 6 decades in the music industry, was in poor health.

Belgian theater director Ivo Van Hove, who worked closely with Bowie on his musical Lazarus which opened in New York in December, told Dutch public radio NPO that Bowie had been suffering from liver cancer.

"I've known for more than a year. We began working together on our show Lazarus, and at one moment he took me to one side to say that because of his illness, he would not always be able to be around," Van Hove told NRC Dutch daily.

Circle of secrecy 

Bowie's supermodel wife Iman, who has not commented publicly on his death, posted a series of poignant messages on social media in the days before he passed away.

"The struggle is real, but so is God," she wrote on her public Twitter and Facebook accounts Sunday, January 10.

The previous day, she had written: "Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory".

Bowie's son, film director Duncan Jones, confirmed news of his father's death Monday, January 11 with a short message on Twitter and has not commented further.

"Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all," he wrote.

All but an inner circle were kept in the dark about the singer's illness as he worked to complete his final album, Blackstar, released on his 69th birthday, just two days before his death.

Van Hove said Bowie was desperate to finish Blackstar and Lazarus before it was too late.

At the musical's New York premiere on December 7, few knew that anything was amiss.

"The press wrote that he looked so well and so healthy. But as we went off the stage, he collapsed. And I realized that it might be the last time I saw him," said Van Hove.

Tony Visconti, who worked with Bowie on many of his albums, was another who knew the singer was ill.

"His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made 'Blackstar' for us, his parting gift," Visconti wrote on Facebook.

"I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it."

Highlighting how secret Bowie kept his illness, long-time collaborator and friend Brian Eno said his death came as "a complete surprise".

He told the BBC he received an email from Bowie a week before his death which he now believes was a farewell message.

"It was funny as always, and as surreal, looping through word games and allusions and all the usual stuff we did. It ended with this sentence: 'Thank you for our good times, Brian. they will never rot'," Eno said.

"I realie now he was saying goodbye." – Naomi O'Leary, AFP/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Angela Bowie, ex-wife of the late David Bowie, reacted to the singer's death while on the UK television program Celebrity Big Brother, where she is a contestant. (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands)

On the Big Brother reality show, the contestants aren't allowed to have contact with the outside world. However, following the news of David's death on Monday, January 13 (Manila time) the show released a message on Facebook saying, "We can confirm that Angie Bowie will be informed off camera today at the earliest opportunity."

Later, in a teaser for an episode, viewers saw Angie speaking about Bowie's death. She said, "I haven’t seen him in so many years, I can’t make a big drama out of it. I just feel like an era has ended with his passing. I’m so very sad."

Angie then breaks down and cries, before the scene cuts to one of Angie with two other housemates – John Partridge and David Gest – on either side of her. She says, "The Stardust is gone." (READ: Stars mourn David Bowie's death)

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J9ZxKkCQ-4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

The show said, on their Facebook page, that Angie was told about David's death off-camera.

"She has taken the decision to continue in the program," the post continued. "The decision to remain in the house is entirely her choice, and she has been given the option to leave at any time if she changes her mind. Appropriate support will be available to Angie at any time if needed."

Meanwhile, fans cried foul on social media, accusing the network that airs the show, Channel 5, saying that showing Angie's reaction to the death was in poor taste.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Still can&#39;t believe C5 - even C5 - did a &quot;Coming up tomorrow, David Bowie&#39;s ex-wife weeps in the diary room at the news of his death.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBB?src=hash">#CBB</a></p>&mdash; Ian Hyland (@HylandIan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HylandIan/status/686676884055277568">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Low blow from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBB?src=hash">#CBB</a> to show Angie Bowie&#39;s reaction despite saying she was told off-camera.. Literally no one needed to see that</p>&mdash; Ellie (@eleanorrrrrrrr_) <a href="https://twitter.com/eleanorrrrrrrr_/status/686738968524812289">January 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Really low and degrading from Channel 5 in broadcasting Angie Bowie&#39;s reaction to hearing her ex-husband&#39;s death.</p>&mdash; Daniel Jenks (@DanielJenks89) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielJenks89/status/686685227029278720">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I love <a href="https://twitter.com/bbuk">@bbuk</a> but showing Angie Bowie being told David has died on tv is wrong on so many levels <a href="https://twitter.com/channel5_tv">@channel5_tv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/channel5?src=hash">#channel5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/badtaste?src=hash">#badtaste</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shameful?src=hash">#shameful</a></p>&mdash; Hannah Griffiths (@hannah_kg) <a href="https://twitter.com/hannah_kg/status/686669104158212097">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Angie, 66 was a former model, and was married to Bowie in 1970, until they were divored in 1980. They had one son together: film director, producer, and screenwriter Duncan Jones.

David Bowie died on Sunday, January 10 (Monday, January 11 in Manila), after an 18-month battle with cancer. Many fans, famous personalities, and members of the music industry paid tribute to the late legend. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Like many famous personalities and members of the music industry, Jimmy Fallon took the time to pay tribute and give a message to the late David Bowie. (READ: Music legend David Bowie dies)

"Before we begin I'd like to say, 'rest in peace, David Bowie,'" Jimmy started his show on January 11. "Great artist, one-of-a-kind singer/songwriter, fashion icon, mad genius who also had one of the greatest senses of humor of anyone I've ever met."

He recalled that he talked about David on the show last week, greeting him a happy birthday (David's birthday was on January 8), and promoted the singer's newly released album, Blackstar. (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands)

Jimmy also said that he and David used to exchange emails with each other from time to time.

He also said that he was trying to think of something funny to say, but it wouldn't come out right. Instead, he said: "So I’m just going to email you, David Bowie, and if you can check your email in space, or heaven, or wherever you are, you don’t have to email me back. In fact, don’t. It would be weird for me if – so don’t even consider it. Just read it and enjoy what I put in there.”

Jimmy finished by telling his audience to get Blackstar and to "play it loudly and just thank him. Thank you, thank you, thank you, David Bowie."

David Bowie died on Sunday, January 10 (Monday, January 11 in Manila), after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 69. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Lea Salonga will appear in the season finale of the show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Lea personally confirmed the news on her Twitter account on Monday, January 11, adding that she would also be singing during her appearance in the show. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I guess the news is out!!! I&#39;ll be appearing on the season finale of <a href="https://twitter.com/CW_CrazyXGF">@CW_CrazyXGF</a>! And singing, too! How fun is that?!</p>&mdash; Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) <a href="https://twitter.com/MsLeaSalonga/status/686242102557184001">January 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The news was also confirmed by the show's star, Rachel Bloom, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly on Sunday, January 10, backstage at the Golden Globes. 

"One of our characters happens to be Filipino so when we realized no one else had even made the effort to show a Filipino family on an American comedy, it taught me a lot about Filipino culture," Rachel said. Rachel's co-star Vincent Rodriguez III, is Filipino-American.

“It’s also taught me really about how important diversity is, if you want to tell a new story,” she added.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is on its first season, and the mid-season premiere is set to air on January 28. 

In Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Rachel plays a lawyer from Manhattan who moved to West Covina, California to pursue her long time crush Josh. She gets hired at a law firm, meets new friends, and finds herself in a an on-again-off-again relationship with a guy named Greg, who happens to be Josh's friend.

Lea is currently in New York as part of the cast of the Broadway play Allegiance, starring George Takei, and Telly Leung. Lea is also set to star in the Manila production of Fun Home this year. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – TV host Luis Manzano gets the opportunity to work with girlfriend Angel Locsin in the upcoming talent search Pilipinas Got Talent, but don't expect sweet moments on-screen.

In an interview with reporters during the press conference and taping of the show at the Kia Theater Tuesday, January 12, Luis talked about working with Angel on the show. Luis is one of the hosts, while Angel will serve as one of the judges. (READ: 'PGT' judge Angel Locsin touched as fans chant 'Darna'

"First and foremost, we have to be professional. Nagkataon na pinili kami (It so happened that we were chosen) to work together. So besides the relationship or anything else, we are professionals," Luis said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From yesterday&#39;s interview- <a href="https://twitter.com/luckymanzano">@luckymanzano</a> on working with <a href="https://twitter.com/143redangel">@143redangel</a> <a href="https://t.co/53gq90hDRP">pic.twitter.com/53gq90hDRP</a></p>&mdash; alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/686957731899543552">January 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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"We don't want to take the spotlight away from the contestants. I think that's the proper way na sila ang bumida dito hindi 'yung mga relationship namin sa isa't isa. Pinaghirapan nila ito, sila ang dapat bumida (I think that's the proper way, that they are the stars of the show, and not our relationship with each other.) They've worked hard for this, so they should be stars)," he added.

In 2014, Luis' mother, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos said that Luis was suppose to do a movie with her and Angel, but he turned it down because he did not want their relationship to become a selling point for the movie.   

In Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5, Luis returns as host along with Billy Crawford. Having hosted together in the past, the banter was very fast-paced during the interview. 

"I guess this would be the perfect time to admit na we really don’t get along. Ito kasi pera-pera…basta bayad kami, friends kami (This is all about the money for as long there's money involved, we're friends)," he joked.

"He’s my brother from another mother. Kumbaga kami yung magkapatid na ibang apelyido (In other words we're siblings with different surnames)…the fact that we get to work together again and considering yung mga nagawa namin (what we've done) before. I’m happy, I get to spend time with my brother Billy," Luis added.

Aside from Luis, Billy, and Angel, joining them on the show are former ABS-CBN boss Freddie "FMG" Garcia, Robin Padilla, and Vice Ganda.  With a new batch of judges, Luis said to expect a fun show.

"It's going to be the best season ever," he said.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 is scheduled to air soon, with auditions now ongoing in Metro Manila and parts of the country. – Rappler.com 

WASHINGTON DC, USA – David Bowie's death has plunged fans around the world into grief, but his music lives on – not only on Earth but in space.

For astronauts and ordinary people who gaze into the mystery of the sky, Bowie was one of their own, fascinated by the possibilities of the universe.

From "Space Oddity" to "Starman" and "Life on Mars," Bowie's lyrics echoed into space over the decades.

"And the stars look very different today," NASA tweeted after Bowie's shock death on Sunday at age 69 following a secret struggle with cancer.

The quotation was from Bowie's breakthrough hit "Space Oddity" which was released in 1969 – the year of the first moon landing.  (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands) 

Bowie took on the alter ego of Ziggy Stardust, the androgynous rock-and-roll messenger for extraterrestrials.

"RIP David Bowie," said NASA, tweeting a link to the 2013 "Space Oddity" version by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, sung weightless aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#39;And the stars look very different today.&#39; RIP David Bowie. In Honor, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield">@Cmdr_Hadfield</a>&#39;s version of Space Oddity: <a href="https://t.co/tVUTooNr3m">https://t.co/tVUTooNr3m</a></p>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/686586368714223616">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Hadfield's version was an Internet sensation, clocking up more than 28 million YouTube hits – and counting. (READ: Stars mourn David Bowie's death)

Bowie once posted on Facebook to say that the cover was "possibly the most poignant version of the song ever created."

"When I sang it and listened to my voice it kind of surprised me," Hadfield told the BBC on Monday, January 11. 

"It was somehow as if he (Bowie) had recognized what it was going to be like (in space) and his words somehow sort of transcended it a little bit. I could almost feel what he'd been thinking just when I sang it in that place."

After news of Bowie's death became public, Hadfield riffed in a tweet on the words of another of Bowie's hits: "Ashes to ashes, dust to stardust."  

"Your brilliance inspired us all. Goodbye Starman," he added, poignantly.

'Fellow space traveler' 

It did not take long for Bowie's death to reach the International Space Station.

"Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer – his music was an inspiration to many," tweeted British astronaut Tim Peake, traveling aboard the ISS.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer – his music was an inspiration to many. <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidBowieReal">@DavidBowieReal</a></p>&mdash; Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_timpeake/status/686464096540200960">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Scott Kelly, another aboard the ISS, also tweeted: "Sad to learn of the death of musician David Bowie whose inspiration lives on 'far above the world.'"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sad to learn of the death of musician <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidBowieReal">@DavidBowieReal</a> whose inspiration lives on &quot;far above the world&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YearInSpace?src=hash">#YearInSpace</a> <a href="https://t.co/4PhrmbsTpM">pic.twitter.com/4PhrmbsTpM</a></p>&mdash; Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/StationCDRKelly/status/686654391978340352">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Even the European space probe Rosetta praised the memory of a "fellow space traveller."

"RIP David Bowie" it tweeted, next to a drawing of a sad face wearing the famous red flash that marked Bowie's face on the cover of the album "Aladdin Sane."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP David Bowie, fellow space traveller <a href="https://t.co/zr5JfZVPPh">pic.twitter.com/zr5JfZVPPh</a></p>&mdash; ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_Rosetta/status/686541648084492288">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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A wide-ranging actor in addition to his music career, Bowie played a fallen alien in the 1976 film The Man Who Fell To Earth, based on the novel by Walter Tevis.

The alien, Thomas Jerome Newton, has come to Earth in desperation for water for his parched planet but is pulled in by Earth's pleasures.

'Terrified' of real space travel  

Up to the end Bowie retained his preoccupation with space. He recently wrote music for Lazarus, a stage version of The Man Who Fell to Earth, and his last album, released Friday on his 69th birthday, was called Blackstar.

Yet Bowie never hid that he was "terrified" at the idea of actual space travel.

Asked in a 2002 interview what his preoccupation was with spaceships and space, he said: "It's my little inner space, isn't it, writ large. I wouldn't dream of getting on a spaceship, it'd scare the shit out of me. 

"I've absolutely no interest or ambition to go into space whatsoever. I'm scared going down the end of the garden." – Elodie Cuzin, Agence France Presse/Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA – Lawyers for Bill Cosby have demanded a Pennsylvania court drop the first criminal sexual assault charge filed against the disgraced comedian since dozens of women publicly accused him of abuse.

His lawyers filed the petition in Montgomery County on Monday, January 1 asking the court to dismiss the charge that forced the megastar turned pariah to post bail for $1 million on December 30. He is next due in court on February 2.

The petition demands the court throw out the charge because it violates a 2005 agreement that Cosby would never be prosecuted over allegations of assault made by Andrea Constand, a former employee of Temple University in Philadelphia.

The newly elected district attorney "repudiated the agreement" and Cosby was "wrongfully charged," his lawyers wrote. 

They said an "inexcusable" 10-year delay since the alleged 2004 incident had also "greatly prejudiced Mr Cosby."

The former TV legend has lost his eyesight and "with it his ability to identify the physical appearance of witnesses and accusers as well as review other pieces of evidence," the petition stated.

"Justice requires that the court dismiss the charges at this stage."

A stony-faced Cosby appeared in court in Elkins Park, in the Philadelphia area, on December 30 in connection with the aggravated indecent assault charge but did not enter a plea.

Constand says Cosby assaulted her at his Philadelphia suburban home in 2004.

If found guilty, the 78-year-old – who has surrendered his passport to the court – could face up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

More than 50 women have publicly claimed abuse by the pioneering black comedian, who attained his greatest fame for his role as a lovable obstetrician and pater familias in the hit 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show.

But his attorneys repeatedly deny any wrongdoing by the veteran TV actor whose career spanned 4 decades.

Prosecutors say the charge stems from new evidence in the case that came to light in July, prompting the reopening of the investigation.

Statutes of limitations have prevented most of the women who have accused the comedian of sexual assault from taking legal action. In the Pennsylvania case, the statute of limitations was set to expire early next year. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Award-winning actor John Lloyd Cruz called on lawmakers and film stakeholders to unite in reforming and strengthening the local movie industry on Wednesday, January 13.

"Alam kong kagaya ko, andito rin kayo dahil mahal niyo ang pelikulang Pilipino. At kung meron akong natutunan sa dinami-dami ng ginawa kong pelikula, ito ay 'pag mahal mo, ipaglalaban mo," John Lloyd said in a heartfelt speech during the House probe on the irregularities of the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

(I know, like me, you are here because you love Filipino movies. And if there is one thing I learned from all the movies I have done, it is when you love something, you will fight for it.)

He also sought reforms in the MMFF, which came under fire after its Executive Committee disqualified Honor Thy Father from the Best Picture category.

This has led to a House inquiry that raised the issue of conflict of interest against Executive Committee member Dominic Du. Du owns foreign film distributor Axinite Digicinema Inc, which promoted other MMFF entries Walang Forever and Buy Now Die Later. 

"I am here not for the Best Actor award, We are not running after that. This is bigger than that. This is definitely bigger than [us], bigger than the film industry. We are now talking about the current state of Philippine cinema," John Lloyd also said during a brief press conference before the House hearing.

This is the first time the Honor Thy Father actor and co-producer has spoken about the MMFF disqualification. 

Potential of Filipino films

As a first-time film producer, John Lloyd also underscored the great potential of Filipino films that will remain untapped should there be no reforms that would give opportunity for quality local movies.

"Hindi kaya may malaking potensyal na nawawala kapag hindi natin binigyan ng espasyo ang iba't ibang klase ng pelikula sa mga sinehan natin? Kung mas maraming manunuod ng local films, parehong kikita ang mga producers at sinehan."

(Don't we lose great potential when we don't give opportunities for different types of films to be shown in our cinemas? If more people would watch local films, both producers and theater owners will earn.)

"Sa atin ang pelikulang Pilipino. Tayo po ito. Ito ang kwento natin ng buhay natin pinanggalingan. Ito ang pinagsama-sama nating tuwa, lungkot at higit sa lahat pag-asa. Sino pa bang magkukwento ng mga kwento natin kundi tayo rin?" John Lloyd said. 

(We are the Filipino films. This is the story of our lives, our roots. This is the coming together of our joy, sadness and most especially, hope. Who else would tell our story but us?) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Solenn Heussaff clarified that her "wedding" in Argentina with fiance Nico Bolzico was just a celebration of their engagement.

"We just celebrated in Argentina because hindi ko nakita yung parents ni (I haven't seen the parents of) Nico in two years," Solenn said. "So since the engagement, wala pang (there was no) [celebration]."

"I haven't done any church, wala akong (there was no) wedding dress, wala (none)," she added. 

Solenn also said that she wants to get married in France in the future, and that the wedding will happen sometime this year. Asked for a comment on Isabelle Daza's post on Snapchat, Solenn said: "Loka-loka yan si Isabelle kasi (Isabelle is crazy)."

On the day that Solenn supposedly got married, Isabelle posted videos and photos on Snapchat. One was captioned "Mr and Mrs Bolzico," while another said, "Rustic-style wedding." 

As for fiance Nico's reaction, Solenn said: "Tumawa lang siya. He was laughing tapos yung nanay din niya she was laughed kasi yung picture niya nasa isang papel...funny lang." 

(He was just laughing about it. His mother also laughed about it because her picture was even in a newspaper...it was so funny.)

Solenn explained that her friends, Isabelle, Georgina Wilson, and Anne Curtis were with her during her annual visit to Argentina just because they wanted to join in on the trip this year.

As for her white "wedding" dress, Solenn said she wore the dress since white had become her favorite color after playing the role of Cappuccina in Marimar. (IN PHOTOS: Solenn Heussaff's stunning wedding gown)

Designer Boom Sason posted two photos of the dress on Instagram, describing it as a "custom @boomsasonweddingclassics gown for [Solenn Heussaff's] lakeside civil wedding ceremony and reception in Argentina."

"Pag nangyari na yung big day na iyan, may (When that big day happens there's a) hashtag and we will share everything," Solenn said.

Solenn and Nico got engaged in December 2014. 

Lakbay2Love movie

Meanwhile, Solenn is starting her 2016 with the movie Lakbay2Love, in which she stars with Dennis Trillo. In the movie, Solenn plays Lianne, who is recovering from heartbreak and is making a video about climate change. She meets Jay-R, a forester played by Dennis, along the way. 

Solenn said that aside from having a fun time making the movie, it also gave her the chance to see part of the Philippines through biking and hiking. She singled out Mt Maranat where in they hiked for 13 hours for one scene.

She also considers her visit to Benguet as one of her favorite moments.

"Favorite kung yung sa Benguet kasi sobrang maganda yung lugar tapos may fog pa, sobrang ganda," she said.

(My favorite is Benguet because the place is so beautiful and it had fog, it was really beautiful.)

Solenn also contributed a song to the movie entitled "Kilig." Other songs featured in the movie are "Overdrive," by the Eraserheads – in which they were allowed to change the word drive to bike – and "Liwanag" by Kai Honasan.

Also starring Kit Thompson and directed by Ellen Marfil, Lakbay2Love will be shown in theaters on February 3. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee member Dominic Du denied accusations that he directed the disqualification of Director Erik Matti's Honor Thy Father from the Best Picture category.

Appearing at the second House hearing on the recent MMFF controversy, Du said he was just tasked by the special committee, together with the rules committee, of the festival to explain why they were recommending the exclusion of Honor Thy Father.

"I did not do it on my own. I have no authority to do it on my own," Du said on Wednesday, January 13. 

His defense contradicts the statement of MMFF juror Carmen Musngi during the hearing on Monday.

On December 11, Musngi said that Du and fellow execom member Marichu Maceda attended the 3rd night of their deliberations on December 21.

"When we were talking about the Best Picture, Mr Dominic Du and Marichu suddenly said, don't put in 'Honor Thy Father' because it's disqualified," Musngi testified. 

Clear bias?

Laguna 1st District Representative Dan Fernandez, who authored the House resolution that called for the probe, questioned Du's presence in the jurors' meeting.

"There is something fishy here: Dominic Du, a member of the powerful executive committee, attending the deliberation of the board of jurors," said Fernandez, who played a supporting role in Matti's film. 

"He would exert an influence on our board of jurors," the congressman said.

Du, however, emphasized that he was never involved in the judging and that he and Maceda were only at the meeting to tend to the needs of the board of jurors.

During Monday's probe, Fernandez exposed that Du, a member of the MMFF execom for 8 years, is also the owner of foreign film distributor Axinite Digicinema Incorporated, which promoted two 2015 MMFF entries Walang Forever and Buy Now Die Later.

These two films respectively won the first and second places in the Best Picture category, said Fernandez, who seemed to be hinting at a conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Representative Juan Revilla, vice chairperson of the Metro Manila development committee, revealed that there was no execom meeting where "Honor Thy Father" was disqualified until Du and Maceda's intervention with the jurors. 

"We found out that the two execom members decided. These two [did] real injustice," he said during the committee hearing.

Revive MMFF spirit

Also present during the hearing was former Manila mayor and currently Buhay Representative Lito Atienza.

Atienza said it was obvious that there was bias and injustice, and urged House members and film stakeholders present to bring back the real spirit of the MMFF.

"[The MMFF] is now run by people with vested interests, contrary to the original intention of the festival. If we are not deviating from [its] original intention, Honor Thy Father would not have been disqualified," he said in Filipino.

"We should look into the commercialization of the festival. Check if the revenue really goes to the local film industry." (READ: John Lloyd Cruz on PH cinema: 'Kapag mahal mo, ipaglalaban mo')

For his part, newcomer MMDA Chairperson Emerson Carlos also appealed for help in reforming the now tainted reputation of the annual film festival. 

"I extend my hand to all members, to all stakeholders of the movie industry. We want this MMFF. It has produced movies of quality.  We need some adjustments organizationally [and] procedurally. You can help us for the betterment of the endeavor in the movie industry." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Not much has been said about Lamar Odom's condition since he was hospitalized following his brothel binge in October 2015. But on the January 13 episode of The Howard Stern Show, Khloe Kardashian opened up about the incident and his infidelity to her during their marriage. 

On the show, Khloe shared that after Lamar initially woke up, he was in bad shape – "he was not talking, couldn't walk, any of that" – but he's now been released from the hospital. (READ: Ex-NBA champ Lamar Odom reportedly 'fighting for life')

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When asked why Lamar went to the Nevada brothel in the first place, Khloe said that she's asked him that as well. "I said: 'Listen, you do whatever the f-ck you want to do, but please promise me you'll never go back to a disgusting brothel again. And if you want to pay someone, you can pay someone in the privacy of your hotel, like, what are you doing?'

"And he said – you know, he obviously wasn't thinking and he promised he won't go back to a place like that."

Lamar was hospitalized in October 2015 after he was discovered unconscious at the famed Love Ranch brothel outside Las Vegas. He had reportedly consumed a cocktail of drugs and alcohol during a four-day binge. (READ: Lamar Odom had used cocaine, say brothel employees)

Khloe filed for divorce in December 2013, and she and Lamar had signed the papers, but they hadn't been approved at the time of Lamar's incident. Khloe made decisions as Lamar's wife when he was hospitalized. (READ: Lamar Odom, Khloe Kardashian halt divorce case)

Prior to the divorce, Khloe and Lamar were married for 4 years.

Infidelity

Earlier on the show, Khloe also spoke about Lamar's infidelity while they were married. According to the reality TV star, she didn't know about the cheating at first.

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"Lamar was so great at making me feel like I was the only one and I was this princess, so I never speculated about his cheating," she said.

"He was so good, nothing was on his cellphones, nothing. He had an assistant, they were all on his assitant's phone. He was really crafty," she added.

Khloe did have her suspicions though, because of the rumors that were coming out in the weeklies. She recalled confronting Lamar about an interview that one of his mistresses did, but the NBA player said that was his teammate's girl. Lamar was playing for the Los Angeles Clippers at the time, between 2012 and 2013.

In spite of what happened, Khloe has no regrets about their marriage – the two got engaged in 2009 after a month of dating – and said that she loved and still loves Lamar.

"I'm sure people are gonna say it's mistake [but] for me, I wouldnt change what I did because it was also some of the best times of my life. So for me, I wouldnt say it's a mistake, I say I needed that experience for me," she told host Howard Stern.

"It was just the most intense relationship I've had, in a great way," she said about the whirlwind romance. "But looking back, in hindsight, what I'd say [is] 'Yeah, you probably should've waited a little bit,' sure... I don't regret doing it. I wouldn't do it again, but I don't regret what I did."

"What he's done doesn't make him a bad person, that doesn't define who he is," Khloe continued, acknowledging that her statement might seem contradictory. "I love him dearly, and will always love him."

Khloe is now dating NBA player James Harden.

What do you think of Khloe's revelations? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Veteran British character actor AlanRickman, known for his memorable portrayal of screen villains, has died at the age of 69 after suffering from cancer, his family said Thursday, January 14.

Rickman, who won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA during his career as a film, television and theater actor, had a rich, smooth voice and brooding delivery that helped make him a sex symbol.

"The actor and director AlanRickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends," a family statement said.

Rickman started out in theater and shot to international fame in 1988 playing the German terrorist mastermind Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis's adversary, in Die Hard.

Rickman did a memorable turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

His performance earned him a BAFTA, Britain's film awards, for best supporting actor.

"This will be a healthy reminder to me that subtlety isn't everything," he said, on receiving the award.

Rickman also won a Golden Globe for best actor in a miniseries or television film for the title role in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996).

He gained legions of younger fans with his portrayal of the largely malicious teacher Severus Snape in all 8 Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011.

'Eye in the sky'  

In between, he starred in the Christmas-themed romantic comedy movie Love Actually and voiced Absolem the Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland.

Born in Acton, west London, on February 21, 1946, he won a scholarship to the  Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at the relatively late age of 26.

In 1985 he played the lead male role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which transferred to Broadway, where he received a Tony Award nomination.

He played the romantic leads in the British films Truly, Madly, Deeply (1991) and Sense and Sensibility (1994).

But it was his intimidating portrayal of villains that made his mark on Hollywood.

In 1995 he was chosen by Empire film magazine as the 34th sexiest star in film history.

He met his partner Rima Horton, a local politician and an economics lecturer, in 1965 and they married in a private ceremony in New York in 2012.

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 Alice in Wonderland sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass is also due for release in the coming months. – Robin Millard, AFP/Rappler.com

More on Alan Rickman:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles 
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman 

MANILA, Philippines – Many fans and and members of the entertainment industry mourned the death of actor Alan Rickman, who died  on Thursday, January 14. (READ: British actor Alan Rickman dies)

Alan was best known – especially to younger fans – as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series, but he also played many other roles, including Harry in Love Actually and Absolem the Caterpillar (voice) in Alice in Wonderland. (READ: JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman)

Following his death, his co-stars, members of the industry, and fans took to social media to express their grief and condolence. (READ: Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles)

Here are their tributes to the actor:

Sir Ian Mckellen 

{source}<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/ianmckellen/posts/10153331431878601" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/ianmckellen/posts/10153331431878601:0"><p>ALAN RICKMAN (1946-2016) There is so much that is matchless to remember about Alan Rickman. His career was at the...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ianmckellen/">Ian McKellen</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ianmckellen/posts/10153331431878601:0">Thursday, 14 January 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>{/source}

Jk Rowling

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman&#39;s death. He was a magnificent actor &amp; a wonderful man.</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/687642690301890560">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan&#39;s family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/687644178113802240">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Emma Thompson, who played Sybill Trelawney in Harry Potter, and also starred opposite Rickman in Love Actually, doesn't have any social media accounts, but managed to get a message out on Twitter anyway. She coursed her message through New York Times reporter David Itzkoff.

Emma said,

"Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because i have just ksised 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 form him. He was the finest 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 wiht 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."

Jamie Campbell Bower

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. I had the pleasure of working with him on my first movie. A true legend and gentleman.</p>&mdash; Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamiebower/status/687628145122492416">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Stephen Fry

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm &amp; stunning screen &amp; stage presence. He&#39;ll be sorely missed</p>&mdash; Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/687619639971561472">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Sir Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in some of the Harry Potter films, told BBC Radio 4: "Everybody loved Alan. He was always happy and fun and creative and very, very funny. He had a great voice, he spoke wonderfully well. He was intelligent, he wrote plays, he directed a play. So he was a real man of the theatre and the stage and that's how I think of Alan."

Oliver Phelps 

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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.</p>&mdash; Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) <a href="https://twitter.com/OliverPhelps/status/687625703865610240">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Hugh Jackman

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alan Rickman. Incredible actor and director. Above all, the most generous, funny, loving friend to us. <a href="https://twitter.com/Deborra_lee">@Deborra_lee</a> and I will miss you so .</p>&mdash; Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman/status/687653118193090560">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

James Phelps

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shocked &amp; sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I&#39;ve ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time</p>&mdash; James Phelps (@James_Phelps) <a href="https://twitter.com/James_Phelps/status/687618581102751744">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Charlie Sheen

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">we lost a genius&#10;today,&#10;Alan Rickman.&#10;This gentleman&#10;redefined the &#10;big screen villain,&#10;forever.&#10;RIP&#10;©&#10;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HansGruber?src=hash">#HansGruber</a>&#10; <a href="https://t.co/JCGDAvoywK">https://t.co/JCGDAvoywK</a></p>&mdash; Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) <a href="https://twitter.com/charliesheen/status/687637277359521792">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Playbill

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP Alan Rickman. He will forever be in our hearts. <a href="https://t.co/oUXYo3qcwA">pic.twitter.com/oUXYo3qcwA</a></p>&mdash; Playbill (@playbill) <a href="https://twitter.com/playbill/status/687625816725975040">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Justin Guarini

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our hearts are broken. Thank you for sharing your talent with us <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlanRickman?src=hash">#AlanRickman</a> We will miss you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Always?src=hash">#Always</a></p>&mdash; Justin Guarini (@JustinGuarini) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinGuarini/status/687621824469954560">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Jeremy Corbyn

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very sad to hear that Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the greatest actors of his generation. My thoughts are with his family &amp; friends</p>&mdash; Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremycorbyn/status/687616249275244545">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Anne Hathaway

{source}

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAiJtIAl0Cm/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">&#34;Good night, sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.&#34; #AlanRickman</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-14T20:55:14+00:00">Jan 14, 2016 at 12:55pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Piers Morgan

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">David Bowie dead from cancer at 69.&#10;Now Alan Rickman dead from cancer at 69.&#10;Two great talents, one bloody awful disease.</p>&mdash; Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/687620288977178630">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Warwick Davis

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. Honoured to have shared the screen with him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Marvin?src=hash">#Marvin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Snape?src=hash">#Snape</a> He&#39;ll be sorely missed.</p>&mdash; Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarwickADavis/status/687635912491167744">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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 Eddie Izzard

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I do not want my heroes to die!&#10;Alan Rickman is dead &amp; he was another hero. Alan - thank you for being with us. We are sorry you had to go</p>&mdash; Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) <a href="https://twitter.com/eddieizzard/status/687619750533410816">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Mia Farrow

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Everyone who knew Alan Rickman- or worked with him or watched his brilliant performances, feels this awful loss <a href="https://t.co/pKOxFYYMUM">pic.twitter.com/pKOxFYYMUM</a></p>&mdash; mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiaFarrow/status/687633906112311296">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Selma Blair

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP Alan Rickman. You were the voice, the stage, the film, the actor, and you will be missed truly, madly , deeply. <a href="https://t.co/4ZLx7JgX2V">pic.twitter.com/4ZLx7JgX2V</a></p>&mdash; Selma Blair (@SelmaBlair) <a href="https://twitter.com/SelmaBlair/status/687638101166927872">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Douglas Booth

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devastated to hear of Alan Rickman&#39;s passing. This week Britain has lost two of it&#39;s greats, far too young. <a href="https://t.co/C7CrtR0Ryx">pic.twitter.com/C7CrtR0Ryx</a></p>&mdash; Douglas Booth (@DouglasBooth) <a href="https://twitter.com/DouglasBooth/status/687630719686946822">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Gary Valenciano

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Always enjoyed watching his work. RIP Alan Rickman. I wish it didn&#39;t end too soon. God bless you family thru this <a href="https://t.co/s5eVRzmldy">pic.twitter.com/s5eVRzmldy</a></p>&mdash; GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryValenciano1/status/687630596890214400">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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National Theatre

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A true legend of stage and screen. Alan Rickman, RIP. <a href="https://t.co/VbpSOi7e5X">pic.twitter.com/VbpSOi7e5X</a></p>&mdash; National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalTheatre/status/687622917153271808">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Danny Miller

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP Alan Rickman. So, so sad. Another loss of someone so talented. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash">#RIP</a></p>&mdash; Danny Miller (@DannyBMiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyBMiller/status/687620791698112512">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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BAFTA

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are deeply saddened to learn that Alan Rickman has passed away: <a href="https://t.co/73Hz0Koxgb">https://t.co/73Hz0Koxgb</a> <a href="https://t.co/Eqlign7IDb">pic.twitter.com/Eqlign7IDb</a></p>&mdash; BAFTA (@BAFTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BAFTA/status/687621587529543682">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Peter Greste

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP Alan Rickman - extraordinary actor and gentleman. Here&#39;s shameless Rickman selfie @ the WH correspondents dinner <a href="https://t.co/BaFk0kyGuZ">pic.twitter.com/BaFk0kyGuZ</a></p>&mdash; Peter Greste (@PeterGreste) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterGreste/status/687639131351072768">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Boy George

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Goodbye Alan Rickman. You were genius in Harry Potter.</p>&mdash; Boy George (@BoyGeorge) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoyGeorge/status/687628346042245121">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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– Rappler.com

More Alan Rickman on Rappler:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman

MANILA, Philippines – The world won't soon forget beloved actor Alan Rickman, who has died of cancer at age 69. 

Known for portraying nefarious, fearsome villains, the theater and film giant leaves behind a storied career, having entertained legions of fans of all ages. 

Let's take a look at just a few of his memorable roles. 

Who could forget his work as the complex, mysterious Severus Snape in the Harry Pottermovies? 

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iqyf-kJWwIg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

His Snape was full of simmering, curling intensity, with shades of contained pain and fury.

He appeared with veteran actress Emma Thompson in a number of films. In Potter he was Snape while she played Professor Trelawney. In Sense and Sensibility, Rickman played Colonel Brandon while Emma played Elinor Dashwood. 

{source}<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/clTG6sYtJig" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

And later, they would reunite to play married couple Harry and Karen in Love Actually. 

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DM4UZhQN0VY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Rickman shot to international fame in 1988 playing the German terrorist mastermind Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis's adversary, in Die Hard.

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cnQEo4bazIo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Rickman did a memorable turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RSUGp9Yz1sk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

His performance earned him a BAFTA, Britain's film awards, for best supporting actor.

Rickman also won a Golden Globe for best actor in a miniseries or television film for the title role in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996).

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w-HU7gT-TNI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

These are just a few of many inspiring, diverse roles that Rickman took on in his lifetime. What were your favorites? Let us know in the comments below. – with reports from AFP/Rappler.com

More on Alan Rickman:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles 
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman 
• Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman

MANILA, Philippines – At news of the death of esteemed British actor Alan Rickman, best known for playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, those who worked with him on the hit films took to social media to express their grief and extend their condolences to Rickman's family. 

Harry Potter author JK Rowling said:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman&#39;s death. He was a magnificent actor &amp; a wonderful man.</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/687642690301890560">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan&#39;s family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts.</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/687644178113802240">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Rupert Grint played Ron Weasley in Harry Potter, and released a statement through Just Jared. He said: "I am devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman, I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him on numerous occasions – even though he has gone – I will always hear his voice. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.” 

Star Daniel Radcliffe, who played the Harry Potter character so hated (and yet protected) by Severus Snape, posted a lengthy tribute on his verified Google Plus account. 

"Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest and most supportive people I've ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I'm pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn't have to do that. I know other people who've been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say "if you call Alan, it doesn't matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he's doing, he'll get back to you within a day".

"People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner(or downright scary) characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass.

"As an actor he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child. Working with him at such a formative age was incredibly important and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career. Film sets and theatre stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man."

Emma Watson, who played the clever, quick-witted witch Hermione Granger, said:

{source}<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/emmawatson/posts/1184500511568837" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/emmawatson/posts/1184500511568837"><p>I&#039;m very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I&#039;ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emmawatson/">Emma Watson</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emmawatson/posts/1184500511568837">Thursday, January 14, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>{/source}

Emma Thompson, who played Sybill Trelawney in Harry Potter, and also starred opposite Rickman in Love Actually and many other movies, doesn't have any social media accounts. Still, she managed to get a message out on Twitter anyway. She coursed her message through New York Times reporter David Itzkoff. 

Emma said: "Alan was my friend and so this is hard to write because i have just ksised 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 form him. He was the finest 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 wiht 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."

Sir Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, told BBC Radio 4: "Everybody loved Alan. He was always happy and fun and creative and very, very funny. He had a great voice, he spoke wonderfully well. He was intelligent, he wrote plays, he directed a play. So he was a real man of the theater and the stage and that's how I think of Alan."

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films, paid tribute to the late actor on Instagram.

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="http://go.rappler.com/https://www.instagram.com/p/BAhTzI5SMh4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Alan. The energy shifted every time you walked onto set. You were an inspiration to us all. RIP</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Bonnie Wright (@thisisbwright) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-14T13:04:11+00:00">Jan 14, 2016 at 5:04am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>{/source}

Oliver Phelps, who played George Weasley in the series, remembered Rickman, saying that he always put Oliver at ease on set.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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.</p>&mdash; Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) <a href="https://twitter.com/OliverPhelps/status/687625703865610240">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Meanwhile, Oliver's twin, James, echoed Oliver's sentiments, saying that Rickman was one of the nicest actors he'd ever met.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shocked &amp; sad to hear Alan Rickman has passed away. One of the nicest actors I&#39;ve ever met.Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time</p>&mdash; James Phelps (@James_Phelps) <a href="https://twitter.com/James_Phelps/status/687618581102751744">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, tweeted this:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heartbreaking news about lovely Alan. Nobody else could be as hilarious, tragic, terrifying &amp; truthful all at the same time&#10;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPAlanRickman?src=hash">#RIPAlanRickman</a></p>&mdash; Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasonsfolly/status/687644952780783616">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, shared this poignant message:

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:42.7194860814% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="http://go.rappler.com/https://www.instagram.com/p/BAhh4qWkQ5r/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I was at Leavesden Studios today when I heard the news. As I walked through the canteen I thought of Alan queuing up for his lunch with us mere mortals. I recalled the trailer in which he offered me some of the greatest advice I ever received about this mad profession we shared. Being back in those corridors made me remember a lot of things and I will treasure those memories all my life. He inspired my career more than he ever knew and I&#39;ll miss him.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Matthew Lewis (@realmattdavelewis) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-14T15:07:17+00:00">Jan 14, 2016 at 7:07am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>

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Warwick Davis played Professor Flitwick and the goblin Griphook in the Harry Potter movies. He expressed his grief on Twitter:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So terribly sad to hear of the passing of Alan Rickman. Honoured to have shared the screen with him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Marvin?src=hash">#Marvin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Snape?src=hash">#Snape</a> He&#39;ll be sorely missed.</p>&mdash; Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarwickADavis/status/687635912491167744">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The Harry Potter site Pottermore also paid tribute to the late actor.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. &#10;Our thoughts are with his family. <a href="https://t.co/efkBra1rCj">pic.twitter.com/efkBra1rCj</a></p>&mdash; Pottermore (@pottermore) <a href="https://twitter.com/pottermore/status/687642036116262912">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Jamie Campbell Bower, who played Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, remembered Rickman, saying, "I had the pleasure of working with him on my first movie. A true legend and gentleman."

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devastated to hear about the passing of Alan Rickman. I had the pleasure of working with him on my first movie. A true legend and gentleman.</p>&mdash; Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamiebower/status/687628145122492416">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Comedian and writer Stephen Fry, who narrates the UK editions of the Harry Potter audiobooks, said:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What desperately sad news about Alan Rickman. A man of such talent, wicked charm &amp; stunning screen &amp; stage presence. He&#39;ll be sorely missed</p>&mdash; Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/687619639971561472">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Here's a clip of some of Rickman's memorable scenes as Severus Snape:

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– Rappler.com

More Alan Rickman on Rappler:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman

MANILA, Philippines – Following the death of Alan Rickman reported Thursday, January 14, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe took the time to write a short message for the late actor.

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Daniel worked with Alan on Harry Potter– both worked on all 8 movies. Alan played Harry's professor, Severus Snape.

On Google Plus, Daniel wrote about the support he got from Alan when he first started out at age 11 in 2000. Daniel added that Alan supported him even after the films were done, too.

Daniel wrote, "Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also, one of the loyalest and most supportive people I've ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I'm pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn't have to do that. I know other people who've been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say 'If you call Alan, it doesn't matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he's doing, he'll get back to you within a day.'"

Daniel added that although Alan played a character in Harry Potter that could be considered a villain – the despicable Potions professor Snape – Alan was the complete opposite in person.

"People create perceptions of actors based on the parts they played so it might surprise some people to learn that contrary to some of the sterner (or downright scary) characters he played, Alan was extremely kind, generous, self-deprecating and funny. And certain things obviously became even funnier when delivered in his unmistakable double-bass."

Daniel finished: "As an actor he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child. Working with him at such a formative age was incredibly important and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career. Film sets and theater stages are all far poorer for the loss of this great actor and man."

Alan passed away following a battle with cancer. Aside from Harry Potter, he also played many other roles in films like Die Hard, Love Actually and Sense and Sensibility.– Rappler.com

More on Alan Rickman:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles 
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman 
• Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman

NEW YORK, USA – David Bowie's family said Thursday, January 14 it planned a private ceremony to celebrate the late rock legend as it kept details around his shocking death under guard. 

"The family of David Bowie is currently making arrangements for a private ceremony celebrating the memory of their beloved husband, father and friend," said a statement on Bowie's official Facebook page.

"They ask once again that their privacy be respected at this most sensitive of times.

"We are overwhelmed by and grateful for the love and support shown throughout the world."

{source}<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/davidbowie/posts/10153183154472665:0" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/davidbowie/posts/10153183154472665:0"><p>THANK YOUThe family of David Bowie is currently making arrangements for a private ceremony celebrating the memory of...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidbowie/">David Bowie</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidbowie/posts/10153183154472665:0">Thursday, January 14, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>{/source}

Bowie, one of pop culture's most influential figures whose career took him from glam rock to science fiction movies to jazz, died Sunday, January 10 after an undisclosed 18-month battle with cancer.

Few other details have emerged. Representatives for the London-born artist declined comment on a report in Britain's Daily Mirror that said that his body was cremated in New York, his adopted home, immediately after his death. (READ: Angela Bowie reacts to ex-husband David Bowie's death)

People close to him said that Bowie wanted to keep his illness away from the glare of 24-hour social media. (READ: Stars mourn David Bowie's death)

He instead released a final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday on Friday, January 8 in what in retrospect was an elaborate artistic statement on his death and nearly half-century career. (WATCH: Jimmy Fallon pays tribute to David Bowie)

In the words of photographer Annie Leibovitz, "he really curated his death."

Bowie's death has triggered an outpouring of mourning, with fans around the world leaving flowers, candles and glitter on sites associated with the outwardly flamboyant but also meditative artist. (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands)

"It is important to note that while the concerts and tributes planned for the coming weeks are all welcome, none are official memorials organized or endorsed by the family," the Facebook statement said. (READ: Space bids farewell to David Bowie, one of its own)

"Just as each and every one of us found something unique in David's music, we welcome everyone’s celebration of his life as they see fit," it said. – Rappler.com

MONTREAL, Canada – Celine Dion's husband Rene Angelil, who discovered the Canadian pop diva and long managed her career, died Thursday, January 14 aged 73 after a struggle with cancer.

Dion announced his passing in a Twitter message, saying: "Rene Angelil passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rene Angelil passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer. <a href="https://t.co/JOeLaOfbSB">https://t.co/JOeLaOfbSB</a></p>&mdash; Celine Dion (@celinedion) <a href="https://twitter.com/celinedion/status/687748744356458496">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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A spokesman for the singer, Marc Olivier, said more information would be given in the coming days, but for now the family wished to be left to mourn in private.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted his condolences to Dion and to Angelil's 6 children, including 3 from a previous marriage.

Born in Montreal to Lebanese-Syrian immigrants, Angelil started out in music dabbling in yeye – French 60s music – before trying his hand at comedy, and finally settling on a career in music management.

As a talent agent, he signed one of the biggest names in Quebec music, Ginette Reno, but the arrangement ended abruptly in 1981, leaving Angelil destitute and desperate.

Just then, another opportunity arose.

At age 12, Dion had recorded a demo tape with her mother and sent it to Angelil. He was so struck by her voice that he signed her to an exclusive management contract – mortgaging his house to finance her debut album.

"I'd never heard anything like it. For me, it was the most beautiful voice in the world," he would recall in interviews.

The businessman set out to make Dion the biggest singer in the world.

His protegee and future wife went on to become one of pop's music's best-known voices, winning 5 Grammy awards including for the "Titanic" theme song "My Heart Will Go On," and collaborating with stars from Stevie Wonder to Barbra Streisand.

'All my life'

Behind the scenes, Angelil invested Dion's earnings from concerts and 220 million albums sold worldwide in restaurants, dance clubs and golf courses. He launched clothing lines, perfumes and other Dion branded merchandise, building an empire of wealth for them to share.

"There is no other manager like him," Dion once said. "Ninety-nine point nine percent of what's happened to me (my success) is because of Rene."

In 1994, when she was 19 and he was 45, the couple married in an extravagant wedding ceremony that was televised live in Canada, and splashed all over glossy magazines.

"My mother wanted to kill him," Dion said later.

Eventually the couple landed in Las Vegas where Dion played nearly 1,000 shows, earning her more millions.

Their fairytale life, however, took a turn when Angelil was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2013. A year later he stepped down as Dion's manager– a position he held for more than 30 years.

After taking a break from performing to care for her husband, Dion returned to performing on the Strip in 2015 at Angelil's urging.

In a candid interview with USA Today she described dealing with the pending loss of "the only boyfriend I've ever had" and "the leader of the band all my life."

In a soft voice, she recalled: "I'll say, 'You're scared? I understand. Talk to me about it,'" pausing before adding: "And Rene says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' OK, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms." – Marc Braibant, AFP/Rappler.com