Alan Rickman’s diary entries from new book reflect on his experience through all eight Harry Potter films

Alan Rickman was an actor who everyone could get behind. He has been in some of the most iconic roles in the film world. Recently, it’s been revealed that the actor had kept a diary which is due to be released as a book in October titled, Madly Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman, which Rickman had intended to publish in the future.

Variety reports on a segment of entries that involve his tenure in the Harry Potter films as the popular professor, Severus Snape. In one entry, he talks about his first meeting with J.K. Rowling, the author of the book series, and discusses the back story of his character,

She nervously lets me in on a few glimpses of Snape’s background. Talking to her is talking to someone who lives these stories, not invents them.”

After having seen the first entry of the film series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, at the film’s premiere, Rickman is quick to write his reaction to the screening and event,

The film should only be seen on a big screen. It acquires a scale and depth that matches the hideous score by John Williams. Party afterwards at the Savoy is much more fun.”

Just before the actor was to film the fifth movie in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, he had begun treatment for prostate cancer in 2005. Rickman writes about his decision to continue working in the movies,

Finally, yes to HP 5. The sensation is neither up nor down. The argument that wins is the one that says: ‘See it through. It’s your story.’”

When the final entry in the book series had released, Rickman recorded his thoughts on the fate of his character,

… I have finished reading the last ‘Harry Potter’ book. Snape dies heroically, Potter describes him to his children as one of the bravest men he ever knew and calls his son Albus Severus. This was a genuine rite of passage. One small piece of information from Jo Rowling seven years ago – Snape loved Lily – gave me a cliff edge to hang on to.”

In 2016, at the age of 69, the beloved actor passed due to his quiet battle with pancreatic cancer after he had also fought an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He’s immortalized in a lot of our favorite films, and his diaries will see to it that we get to know the man personally.