In Memoriam

Since the new year began, we've lost 2 great men, as well as other notable men and women. These 2 men, however, were huge parts of my childhood, so I mourn and the child in me mourns. Not just legends, not just icons, but truly good men. These are the kind of people, when they leave this earth, there's a hole left and the world looks just a little bit darker. You notice their absence. Their passing stays with you.

David Bowie passed away 1.10.16. I was beyond shocked and devastated. I had no idea he was sick or fighting for his life. He had just put out a new album and music video. I'm sure detailed reports will emerge hourly discussing the type of cancer he had, his last moments, but I don't want to read about that if I can help it . This man, this legend, was a true original. Blending masculinity with femininity with such grace and beuaty. That hypnotic voice. Those piercing eyes. A fantastic song writer. He was already known before I was born, but I grew up watching Labyrinth. My first taste of Bowie, and I wanted more! He was still creating great music up until the day he died, releasing that haunting music video a few days before his death. I believe it was a message to us fans, saying goodbye and that he'll be okay. Such a touching thing to do. From a truly sweet man. He'll always be my Goblin King!

And imagine my further shock and immediate sadness when I heard the news days later 1.14.16 that Alan Rickman had passed away too. Absolutely shocked. And another secret battle with cancer?? I don't think my heart can take any more sad news. My heart goes out to his loved ones as well. I've seen Alan Rickman's work over the years but he really stood out in Robin Hood as the villain. Then he was cast as Severus Snape and the rest is history. I think this is the single most perfect casting ever in the history of turning books into films. Now whenever I reread Harry Potter, I picture Alan Rickman's face and voice while Snape is talking. I also loved that he was a part of Tim Burton's world, as the judge in Sweeney Todd and the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland. He seemed to fit those characters with his distinct look, voice, and acting ability.

Though he had such a serious face, I didn't see him as a grumpy off-putting person. He seemed more reserved and humble, which is more endearing. I wish I could have met him in person. If someone could turn such an unlikable character like Snape into a beloved person who everyone was rooting for, that's true talent. One thing I loved that I had heard was that JK Rowling had told Alan from the beginning of filming the Harry Potter movies what "always" meant. He knew from the beginning that his character was good, that he had loved Lily Potter, and was genuinely helping Dumbledore and the fight for good, instead of evil. Mind blown. And since he had this precious nugget of info, he would always try to act with that in mind. If the director wanted him to do something that he knew would be counter to who Snape actually was, he would voice his opinion and refuse. Hearing that melted my heart. Thank you Alan for leaving us with great characters and memories. You will truly be missed.

#davidbowie #alanrickman