Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman was born in Acton, West London, England, as the second of four children. His early life laid the foundation for his future in the performing arts.

Rickman attended Chelsea College and later pursued graduate studies at the Royal College of Art. He then opened a graphic design business, Graphiti, before turning to acting. At the age of 26, he received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), marking the beginning of his professional acting career.