I received a Google alert with a link to the website of the Austrian newspaper "Standard". Apparently, they post
a daily calendar, mentioning important historical dates, birthdays etc.
For today they also list Alan Rickman and describe his profession as:
stage director, stage and film actor
They probably didn't really think much about it when they put it up in that particular order, but I think it's quite interesting. Maybe they can look into the future and already know what he will be known for in 20 years time? ;-)
Anyway, happy birthday, Alan Rickman!