Rima Horton: The Love of Alan Rickman’s Entire Life

Alan Rickman’s movies aren’t the only things of his that have endured — the star’s teenage sweetheart, Rima Horton, became the love of his life.

The actor, beloved for his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series, passed away Thursday in London at the age of 69; his family released a statement following his death, revealing he had been battling cancer and was surrounded by family and friends in his final hours.

Despite a devoted fan base, the Love Actually star managed to keep his personal life private over the years. Last April, Rickman announced that he’d married Horton three years prior and reveled in the quiet intimacy of their day.

“It was great because no one was there,” he told Germany’s Bild newspaper. “After the wedding in New York, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate lunch.” He confessed he presented his wife with a simple $200 band that “she never wears.”

Rickman and Horton met as teens in 1965. In 1977, they moved in together and were an item ever since. “I think every relationship should be allowed to have its own rules,” Rickman told Hello!. “She’s incredibly tolerant. Unbelievably tolerant. Possibly a candidate for sainthood.”

The pair opted not to have children.

Check out the video to learn more about Rickman’s sweetheart, and tune in to The Insider With Yahoo on TV tonight for the latest in entertainment news.