On January 14, 2016, the world lost one of its most enigmatic actors when Alan Rickman passed away following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. We’re looking back at 10 surprising facts about the beloved actor.

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When a winter storm is coming, you have to be prepared (best case scenario: snow day!). Here are the facts about freezing rain, sleet, and snow you need to know.
Ira Aldridge became the first famous African-American actor—but he didn't find fame in the U.S. Here's how he battled prejudice to become the 19th century's "greatest living actor."
There's one exchange between Marty and Doc that doesn't seem very significant, but according to this fan theory, it's the key to the ending of 'Back to the Future.'
"I'm very grateful I am in the film at all, but even more grateful that I got the character of Draco," Felton said.
The celebrated photographer—who was born on this day in 1902—once mutilated his own negatives. On purpose.
On February 19, 1942, FDR sanctioned the removal of Japanese immigrants and Americans of Japanese heritage from their homes to be imprisoned in camps throughout the country.
Recent reports claimed a large number of stink bugs were wiped out by the recent cold snap that swept through the Midwest and Northeast. It turned out to be too good to be true.
It might not bite or jump, but this long-dead spider is unsettling for another reason: Its eyes still appear to be illuminated.
Onward will take care of everything you need to move on from a failed relationship, including finding a temporary place to live, moving your things, and finding a therapist.
Still waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter? Still dreaming of the day you can walk through the Great Hall doors for the first time? Well now you can, because there are newly-constructed luxury apartments right next to the real Great Hall from Harry
Belgium's Hallerbos forest turns blue each spring when innumerable bluebells blanket the ancient woodland.
Costco is a great place to find many food items at cheap prices, but brand-name cereal is one product you should only buy at the grocery store.
He sat on his heliocentric theory of the universe for 30-some years, and only published his ideas on his deathbed.
It won't be the world's first poop museum. But it's a strong contender for the world's cutest poop museum.
Tequila is always mezcal, but mezcal isn't always tequila. (And only one of them can come with worms, although it isn't exactly encouraged.)
It's our closest neighbor in the solar system, but we still have a lot to learn about the Moon—from how it formed to what's on its dark side.
Claude des Armoises earned cash and gifts while fooling the King of France himself—until it all came crashing down.
The pickle jar along I-270 North near Des Peres, Missouri has been confusing drivers since 2012. No one knows where it came from, what it means, or if sandwiches will follow.
The Mike Judge comedy classic reintroduced red Swingline staplers.
In 1952, at the height of the Cold War, elementary schools in Lake County, Indiana asked hundreds of students to line up, raise their arms, and get ready for the stabbing pain of a tattoo gun, all in the service of post-apocalyptic blood transfusions.
Architectural innovation has been a defining feature of societies since then our ancient relatives began construction shelters 400,000 years ago. From energy-efficient designs to community-based spaces, these seven designs could help shape the future.