Alan Rickman’s journal explains decision to continue Snape role while battling cancer

It has been six years since actor Alan Rickman died from cancer, but now his journal is shining a light on his decision to remain in the “Harry Potter” film franchise despite his diagnosis.

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The Guardian has published excerpts of Rickman’s journal, “Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman,” where he wrote about a “HP [Harry Potter] exit” that his agent thought would happen.

The entry was dated Dec. 4, 2002.

In 2006, shortly after he was released from the hospital where he was treated for prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in 2005, Rickman decided to stay on in the films. Rickman died from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, Entertainment Weekly and People magazine reported.

In an entry dated Jan. 30, 2006, Rickman wrote, “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,’” The Guardian revealed.

Rickman also wrote about the heart-wrenching scene in the book in which Professor Snape is killed.

“I have finished reading the last Harry Potter book,” he wrote in July 2007. “Snape dies heroically, Potter describes him to his children as one of the bravest men he ever knew and calls his son Albus Severus.”

Rickman knew of Snape’s undying love for Harry Potter’s mother Lily, as Potter writer, J.K Rowling, had told him about the storyline before the final book was published.

“This was a genuine rite of passage,” Rickman wrote. “One small piece of information from Jo Rowling seven years ago — Snape loved Lily — gave me a cliff edge to hang on to.”

Rickman’s widow, Rima Horton, said the book shows both sides of her husband.

“The diaries reveal not just Alan Rickman the actor, but the real Alan — his sense of humor, his sharp observation, his craftsmanship and his devotion to the arts,” Horton said, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Rickman started keeping a small pocket diary in 1972. He started a page-a-day, more extensive writing project in 1992 and by the time of his death, had 26 volumes, some with colorful illustrations, The Guardian reported.

To read more excerpts, visit The Guardian’s website.

“Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman” will be released on Oct. 4, Entertainment Weekly reported.

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