Alan Rickman had the most perfect voice in the world (according to science) (2024)

Alan Rickman had the most perfect voice in the world (according to science) (1)

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Alan Rickman had one of the most perfect voices, according to science.

The British actor, who has died at the age of 69, was revealed as having the perfect voice in a study that produced an algorithm to identify the ideal characteristics.

The 2008 study asked people to rate 50 voices and then looked at the results. It found that the best performances had a combination of good tone, speed, frequency, words per minute and intonation — and Mr Rickman came out first.

Those people that scored highly on the test did so largely because of vocal traits that were associated with positive characteristics, the authors said at the time.

"As humans we instinctively know which voices send shivers down our spine and which make us shudder with disgust,” linguist Andrew Linn from Sheffield University, who ran the study, said at the time.

"The emotional responses panellists had to the voices were surprising and go some way to explaining how voiceover artists or radio DJs are selected, or why particular celebrity voices appeal."

Alan Rickman: Life in pictures

Show all 30

The study found that the ideal human voice would be Alan Rickman’s, combined with fellow great English actors Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon, who starred alongside Mr Rickman in the Harry Potter films.

Other voices that came out on top included Mariella Frostrup and Dame Judi Dench.

Alan Rickman had the most perfect voice in the world (according to science) (2024)

FAQs

Alan Rickman had the most perfect voice in the world (according to science)? ›

Harry Potter star Alan Rickman had the voice, according to science. A study once concluded the late actor's voice to be so good, in fact, it was considered perfect. What about Rickman's voice earned him the title, and who else has received praise for their perfect voices.

How would you describe Alan Rickman's voice? ›

Alan Rickman had a distinctive and memorable voice that was deep, rich, and often described as velvety. He was known for his precise diction, his ability to convey complex emotions through his voice, and his mastery of accents and dialects.

Who has the perfect voice? ›

So, what about the 'perfect' voice, well according to science, that belongs to the English thespian Alan Rickman. Best known for his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter franchise, Rickman was revealed as having the perfect voice after a study in 2008.

Was Alan Rickman ill during Harry Potter? ›

Rickman was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2005, shortly before production started on “Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. As the movie was filmed, he had his entire prostate removed but decided to stay on as Snape despite his battle. “Finally, yes to HP 5,” Rickman wrote in his journals.

Did Alan Rickman have any children? ›

In fact, Rickman did not have any children at all. He once revealed that he would have loved to have a family, but he respected Horton's wishes not to become a mother. He said that in an ideal world, three children aged 12, 10, and 8 would be dropped on them, and they would be great parents for that family.

Why is Alan Rickman's voice so deep? ›

Rickman was born with a tight jaw, contributing to the deep tone of voice and languid delivery for which he would become famous. Rickman himself said that a vocal coach told him he had a "spastic soft palate".

What kind of voice did Alan Rickman have? ›

Alan Rickman was an English actor. A fantastic English actor well-known for his distinctive baritone voice, often very dry. In all of his great work; in all of his movies - in all of his great characters.

Who had the most beautiful voice ever? ›

Maria Callas. Widely recognized as one of the world's greatest voices, Greek soprano Maria Callas broke the mold of a true operatic diva.

Who has the greatest male voice of all time? ›

The 20 best male singers of all time, ranked in order of pure...
  • Elton John. Elton John - Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971) ...
  • Paul McCartney. Sir Paul McCartney - My Valentine (Live Kisses) ~ 1080p HD. ...
  • Rod Stewart. ...
  • Andy Williams. ...
  • Tom Jones. ...
  • Michael Bublé ...
  • Art Garfunkel. ...
  • Stevie Wonder.
Jan 3, 2023

What did Daniel Radcliffe say when Alan Rickman died? ›

Here's what Radcliffe wrote (emphasis mine): "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. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter.

Why did Alan Rickman almost quit? ›

To Empire magazine, Rickman had revealed that he did not want to return to play the character as he felt that it was 'nothing more than an unchanging costume'. However, author JK Rowling had told him the secret about his character, as well as the story behind the word 'always'.

Why did Alan Rickman not want to do Harry Potter? ›

Alan Rickman Wanted To Quit Harry Potter Franchise

Believing that the character was nothing more than “an unchanging costume”, the actor even confessed feeling detached and demotivated to play the role, during a special feature commemorating the conclusion of the Harry Potter franchise in 2011.

Who did Alan Rickman leave his money to? ›

Rickman, of course, played the villain (and eventually, the complex hero) of the Harry Potter series, Professor Severus Snape. He reportedly left behind an estate worth more than £4 million, the majority of which he specified should be left to his wife and partner of 50 years, Rima Horton.

Did Alan Rickman like the Harry Potter kids? ›

Speaking of the kids, Rickman also criticized the younger stars, including Watson and Radcliffe, although their careers would continue to flourish after "Harry Potter." The numerous diary entries reveal what it was like for Rickman on set, as he said there were a lot of long hours involved to get lengthy scenes right.

Who was Alan Rickman in Alice in Wonderland? ›

Alan Rickman: Blue Caterpillar.

What was Alan Rickman's speech impediment? ›

Rickman's voice was actually the result of a childhood disability. His lower jaw was very tight, which caused his words to come out as indistinct and muffled. Fortunately for us, he maintained this drawl for the rest of his life.

What was Alan Rickman like as a person? ›

Throughout his rich career, Rickman built a reputation as an actor who played very serious roles. However, at heart, he was the kindest person and was very close to little children.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jeremiah Abshire

Last Updated:

Views: 5928

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jeremiah Abshire

Birthday: 1993-09-14

Address: Apt. 425 92748 Jannie Centers, Port Nikitaville, VT 82110

Phone: +8096210939894

Job: Lead Healthcare Manager

Hobby: Watching movies, Watching movies, Knapping, LARPing, Coffee roasting, Lacemaking, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.