Fond Memories of Alan Rickman from the “Potter” Cast

It’s been almost three years since the world was rocked by the untimely passing of Alan Rickman. Harry Potter filmmakers and acting alumni, who were quick to express their grief and fond memories on January 14, 2016, have never let Rickman’s spirit stray too far from their hearts or conversations about the beloved film series they shared. Just as we have found ourselves reminiscing about Alan Rickman these past few years, the new height of excitement in the wizarding world with the Fantastic Beasts series has Potter family pulling fond memories out of their Pensieves once more.

This past week, Entertainment Weekly asked the Potter cast for their best memories of their beloved friend who played Professor Snape; everyone was eager to contribute.

Evanna Lynch remembers how Rickman was a method actor, tromping around set in his costume, bearing a scowl and scaring the younger actors. But he had his funny and friendly side too:

[We] were allowed to bring guests [to the set], but we had to ask the producers’ permission and sign all these forms. It was the kind of thing [that you were] allowed to do, but you didn’t do it too much. Like, if you did it too much, you were pushing it. But Alan Rickman, pretty much every day of filming, he had a whole troop of little children [visiting]. It was the most bizarre scene to see Snape in this black robe, usually with, like, a bib on — we had to wear these bibs so we didn’t ruin our costume — surrounded by all these happy little children who were just chatting away to him.

Oliver Phelps had a similar memory when showing Alan Rickman how to use his first iPod (even the most brilliant actors are prone to experiencing the awkward moments in generational gaps):

I remember once he’d come back from an awards show or something and in the gift box was an iPod, when they’d first come about. I remember being next to him in the hair and makeup room, and I ended up showing Alan Rickman how to work an iPod, which was not what I thought I’d ever do in my life. He was a very approachable guy once you saw past Snape’s wig.

Despite his method acting and almost always being in costume and in character, Warwick Davis remembers that same iPod shattering the method acting illusion. Once Professor Snape figured out the magic behind working such Muggle technology, he tried to discreetly listen to music by tucking the iPod under his robes and stuffing the earbud cord under his wig. The white cord amidst the black costume was easily spotted.

I started to wonder, what does Alan Rickman as Professor Snape listen to on his iPod? An audiobook? Some Shakespeare? Some classical music? Europop? Some techno beats? I don’t know. I never did ask him, and I wish I had.

Often cast as the villain, Rickman intimidated almost everyone when they first laid eyes on him, even Harry Potter director Chris Columbus. But for anyone who had the privilege to get to know him… Well, he was a warm teddy bear, really.

If he’s in a serious mood, he’s intimidating as hell. But suddenly I had dinner with him to talk about the role for the first time, and when he smiled, he just became the warmest, nicest human being in the world. A guy with a great sense of humor. I just had a wonderful time working with him.

With a voice that we will never forget, a voice we will always miss, we too will always keep our own experiences of Alan Rickman close to our hearts. Forgive us if we cry a little harder while watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. What is your favorite memory of Alan Rickman? Besides Potter, which of his films did you enjoy the most? Please share with us in the comments.