Alan Rickman’s private letters from ‘Harry Potter’ era revealed

MANILA, Philippines – Letters from late actor Alan Rickman during his time filming the Harry Potter films were recently auctioned in London, with the correspondence revealing some of the actor’s experiences – and frustrations – while working on the film series that many would remember him for.

Acquired by Neil Pearson Rare Books, the archive contains letters sent to Rickman from those involved in the film, including a postcard from producer David Heyman, thanking Rickman for the success of the second Harry Potter film, and reassured the actor amidst apparent frustrations.

According to the archive inventory, Heyman wrote, “I know, at times, you are frustrated, but please know that you are an integral part of the films. And you are brilliant.”

Several letters from Harry Potter author JK Rowling are also in the archive, including one where she writes “Thank you for doing justice to my most complex character…”

Also included are several letters from a young Daniel Radcliffe, who starred with Rickman in the series as Harry Potter.

One letter from Radcliffe thanks him for presents, saying “I can’t wait to read Catcher in the Rye…”

Another contains Radcliffe’s Christmas greeting to Rickman:

Alan Rickman’s fan mail.https://t.co/piFuSXLIoI pic.twitter.com/zSshhR0yJY

— Neil Pearson (@RareNeilPearson) April 17, 2018

The archive also includes Rickman’s heavily annotated scripts from almost his entire filmography, including his earlier films like Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Truly, Madly, Deeply. It also includes letters from fellow actors Emma Thompson and Nicole Kidman.

On the left, Alan Rickman’s audition script for what was to become Die Hard, with scenes to prepare in his hand. On the right, his working script. They’ll be on our stand B03 @ABARareBooks #RareBookFairLondon
More at https://t.co/piFuSXLIoI pic.twitter.com/befwRzYykG

— Neil Pearson (@RareNeilPearson) May 22, 2018

Alan Rickman’s fan mail.https://t.co/piFuSXLIoI pic.twitter.com/NkPlT3vccc

— Neil Pearson (@RareNeilPearson) April 17, 2018

One of Britain’s most prolific actors, Rickman was known in his later years as the actor who brought the ambiguous Professor Severus Snape to life in the well-loved Harry Potter series. He died in January 2016, due to cancer. – Rappler.com