ITN Channel 4 News' Jon Snow, not George R.R. Martin's Kit Harrington Jon Snow on hit TV series "Game of Thrones," received an angry backlash from the public when he made an unfortunate joke about "Die Hard" actor Alan Rickman's death. The 68-year old news veteran, who is known for his lively and character-filled ties and socks, may have gone a tad too far during his interview with Rickman's close friend, actor-director Richard Wilson.
Wilson headlines hit British TV series "One Foot in The Grave" as grumpy moaner and misfortune-bait Victor Meldrew. As Mellower, Wilson's popular catchphrase is "I don't believe it." According to NY Daily News, the unfortunate Jon Snow made this reference when he asked Wilson if he knew of Rickman's struggle with cancer.
"So it wasn't a case of 'I don't believe it' then," Snow joked. Wilson graciously laughed at the remark.
"No. I saw him earlier this week and to some extent it was a release today," the actor then expressed. "It was still a terrible shock."
The actor, widely loved as Professor Snape in JK Rowling's "Harry Potter," quietly and privately battled with cancer. He died on January 14, at the age of 69, in the midst of loved ones.
As per a The Daily Star report, viewers were quick to pick on this gaffe and took to social media to express their distaste and displeasure. "Nicely judged 'I don't believe it!' gag from Jon Snow," John Williams tweeted.
PJ Holden agrees. "Still astonished at Jon Snow asking Richard Wilson if the news of Alan Rickman's death was a case of 'I don't believe it,' " Holden said in his tweet.
Nicely judged “I don’t believe it!” gag from Jon Snow. Pillock. #slowhandclap
— John Williams (@WorldofTelly) January 14, 2016
Still astonished at Jon Snow asking Richard Wilson if the news of Alan Rickman's death was a case of "I don't believe it!" — PJ Holden (@pauljholden) January 15, 2016
Snow himself immediately expressed his own regret over his words. "I apologize unreservedly it was a mistake in the heat of a sad moment," he said in his Twitter account.
I apologise unreservedly it was a mistake in the heat of a sad moment https://t.co/3DnFGgOEPX
— Jon Snow (@jonsnowC4) January 16, 2016
In the same interview, Wilson and Snow they reminisced on the "Die Hard" iconic villain's real-life brand of humor and quick wit. The words of Stephen Fry, whose tribute to Rickman many found apt and fitting, lends a profound perspective to these memories. "A man of such talent, wicked charm and stunning screen and stage presence. He'll be sorely missed," Fry expressed.
The Telegraph reported that immediately after Rickman's death, fans trudged to Platform Nine-And-Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station in London to place flowers and memorabilia for their beloved Professor Snape. This went on to the following day.
