Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and J.K. Rowling are leading tributes to Alan Rickman, the actor who brought Harry Potter character Severus Snape to life on the big screen, declaring the world has lost "a great talent".

The Die Hard actor's death was confirmed by his family on Thursday (14Jan16) in a statement which revealed the 69 year old passed away following a battle with cancer.

The news sent a shockwave through Hollywood as the acting community prepared for the announcement of this year's (16) Oscars nominations, and tributes have poured in from his friends and colleagues across the industry.

Rickman is best remembered for his role in Rowling's Harry Potter film series, and Scottish author Rowling took to Twitter.com to honour the actor, writing, "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... My thoughts are with (wife) Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts."

Daniel, who played the title role in the film series, also shared a statement online remembering Rickman, praising him for helping him on the set of the Potter movies and supporting him in his later career.

"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," Daniel writes. "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... As an actor he was one of the first of the adults on Potter to treat me like a peer rather than a child... 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 adds in a post on Facebook.com, "I'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'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you."

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, revealed he was at the U.K. studios where Harry Potter was filmed when he heard the sad news, writing, "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... 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'll miss him."

Acting brothers Oliver and James Phelps, who played Weasley twins Fred and George in the Potter films, tweeted tributes along with co-star Warwick Davis, and Brian Blessed, who appeared alongside Rickman in 1991's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen remembered Rickman for his role as Hans Gruber in 1988 action movie Die Hard, tweeting, "We lost a genius today, Alan Rickman. This gentleman redefined the big screen villain, forever. RIP #HansGruber."

Jamie Lee Curtis declared the sad news of Rickman's passing had overshadowed Thursday's Oscars nominations, writing, "Oscar noms out. Couldn't care as Alan Rickman is gone & (he) could have done every job on those movies as well, women included. Stunning talent."

Other tributes have come in from stars including Hugh Jackman, Selma Blair, Kim Cattrall, Richard E. Grant, Will Poulter, Sam Claflin, Boy George, Mia Farrow, Kevin McKidd, David Morrissey, and Douglas Booth.