The actor who brilliantly portrays Severus Snape in the Potter films is celebrating his 63rd birthday today! Happy Birthday, Alan!

If fans are looking to celebrate by watching a few of his films today, may we highly recommend some of his more recent films: Sweeney Todd, Bottle Shock, Nobel Son, and of course, all of the Potter films.

The actor who gives us the brilliant portrayal of Severus Snape in the Potter films has been interviewed by Uinterview.com. It can be seen right here on YouTube.

Rickman answers a couple of Potter questions and also goes into what appeals him to the roles he takes. Thanks to HPANA for the tip.

With all the news concerning The Tales of Beedle the Bard there have been a few other things of note going on:

- Alan Rickman, who plays Severus Snape in the Potter series appeared Wednesday night on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He also did an interview with SciFi.com where he discussed his filming schedule and the impact of the final film:

"Well, it'll be a big finish, won't it? That's true, and appropriately. You can feel it now, the size of the undertaking."

The online magazine also got a hold of producer David Heyman where he discussed the delay of the sixth film and the impact of the decision to split Deathly Hallows.

- On Thursday, RDR Books officially withdrew its appeal of U.S. District Judge Patterson's decision to publish an unauthorized companion novel to the Potter series. J.K. Rowling's public relations agency issued the following statement:

"We are delighted that this matter is finally and favorably resolved and that J.K. Rowling's rights -- and indeed the rights of all authors of creative works -- have been protected," the statement said. "We are also pleased to hear that rather than continue to litigate, RDR have themselves decided to publish a different book prepared with reference to Judge Patterson's decision."

The Muskegon Chronicle goes on to say that in the new book the words "An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction and Related Materials" appears boldly below "The Lexicon" title and above author Steve Vander Ark's name. There is further explanation that neither Rowling nor a host of others with trademarks and other interests in the Harry Potter series had any part in the book.

- Finally, USA Today has written up a preview of ABC Family's Potter weekend which begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. You can expect to see deleted scenes from Goblet of Fire as well as a look into Half-Blood Prince. The paper quotes producer David Heyman on the sixth film:

"It's different than the other films. It's not the non-stop action that some of the others are, although there is some action. It's more of an emotional film."

The actor who plays Severus Snape recently spoke with Boston.com while promoting his new film Nobel Son. The reporter asked him a couple questions about his involvement with the Potter films:

Q. Do children recognize you as Harry Potter's Severus Snape? A. Not really, because I'm generally not walking around wearing a black wig.

Q. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" comes out in July, and later in the year, you'll begin filming the series' final installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." How do you feel knowing that the end is in sight?

A. It means that I'll be able to do more theater as an actor. I couldn't really because I never know what my commitment could be.

Q. Would you ever do another film, knowing it could be six sequels?

A. Only if I was provided with a wheelchair and an oxygen tank.

Thanks to Scot for the tip.

In a small interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor who plays Snape in the Potter films reveals he'll begin filming his parts for Half-Blood Prince in early February:

EW: Okay, I think your wranglers are giving me the signal, but I have to say, even before I got to the end of the Harry Potter books —
Rickman: Before you go any further, I never, ever talk about that character. Number one, because it's not fair on kids who haven't read to the end. And for me to say anything — there's a bit of it that just should be left innocent. It's real storytelling, what she's done, and I'm part of that. So I just never talk about it.

EW: When do you go back to shoot Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?
Rickman: They're shooting six [now], and I start shooting my part of it beginning of February.

EW: It's a bigger part for you this time.
Rickman: Ahh.... There's important stuff. [Smiles]

Actor Alan Rickman, who plays Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films, has recently donated two of his autographed scripts from Goblet of Fire, a signed headshot, and a Hogwarts/Quidditch shirt to an online charity auction. This auction is to support Artists for a New South Africa, which mainly strives to advance human and civil rights in South Africa, among other many objectives. Bidding ends on December 14th.

The Professor Snape actor turns 61 today. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the reminder!

The actor who plays Snape in the HP films spoke recently in an interview about his new movie, Snow Cake, and a little about Order of the Phoenix. You can see a video of this interesting chat here. Thanks to those who emailed!

A recent interview was conducted with Alec Hopkins, the actor portraying young Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He discusses filming, talking with Alan Rickman, and how he ended up with the role.

Alan Rickman spent a couple of hours having a chat with me about the part and obviously that was nerve wracking; there was me as a nobody and then this famous actor. He's very serious about acting but he likes to joke around. It was really nice and it surprised me - I thought a big star would be different but he was so nice. Everyone is really nice but it's very daunting. You don't realise how many people there are and if you messed up you'd be so embarrassed. It's been a great privilege just to be part of it. It's not just a film, but it's a Harry Potter film.

Thanks to HPANA for the tip!

Scotland on Sunday has posted an interview with the Snape actor. In it he discusses being a "baddie" in movies such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Die Hard - plus several more. With a note of sarcasm, Rickman says, "Oh, God, it's years since I played the villain ... I haven't played a baddie for ages." The article talks not only about how playing the role of villain has made him quite desirable among women, but also about upcoming parts in plays and films.

Thanks to HJS for sending this to us.

Now is your chance to purchase several items autographed by Alan Rickman (Severus Snape). DebRA, an organization that provides nursing and social care for those with Epidermolysis Bullosa (a condition which causes the skin to blister at the slightest touch), is holding an auction with the proceeds going to benefit those with EB. Items up for auction include Rickman's "LoveActually" hat and a photograph of himself, both signed by him. You can place your bid over at eBay right now.

Thanks to Tunnza for the tip.

Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) attended the Tribeca Film Festival last night for the premiere of his new movie Snow Cake. Thanks to HPANA, we have a few pictures from the event:

- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Rickman was also in New York City to find a new theatre venue for his play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie.

UPDATE: You can watch the film's trailer right here in either low or high bandwidth. Thanks to Elizabeth for the link!