Alan Rickman’s Favourite Harry Potter Moment Revealed by Tom Felton
A decade after Alan Rickman’s passing, Tom Felton shares a cherished memory from the Harry Potter set, offering a rare glimpse into the actor’s wit and warmth behind the scenes.
Ten years have slipped by since Alan Rickman’s death, yet his influence lingers, especially for those who remember him as the enigmatic Severus Snape. Rickman, who died aged 69 in January 2016 after quietly facing pancreatic cancer, left behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. His performances, whether as the menacing Hans Gruber or the tender Jamie in ‘Truly Madly Deeply’, showcased a remarkable range and a knack for leaving a lasting impression.
On the occasion of this anniversary, Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, has been reflecting on his time alongside Rickman. Felton’s recollections offer a window into the man behind the stern exterior, revealing moments of understated humour and genuine kindness that rarely made it to the screen.
Late-Night Filming and Rickman’s Dry Wit
Felton’s favourite memory of Rickman comes from a particularly gruelling night shoot during ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’. The cast found themselves shivering in the early hours, filming the scene where Hagrid’s hut is set ablaze. Felton, feeling the cold and the fatigue, found himself standing next to Rickman, who was characteristically silent and focused.
I remember the night shoot when Hagrid’s hut was set on fire. It was about 4am and freezing cold. We stood together on a grassy bank, Helena Bonham Carter and Robbie Coltrane battling behind us. Alan didn’t utter a word.
I finally mustered the courage to ask him: “You all right, Alan? How you feeling?” About 10 seconds after I’d spoken he turned his head to me and replied slowly: “I’ve peaked.” He then turned his head back with the tiniest hint of a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
That brief exchange, delivered with Rickman’s trademark deadpan, stuck with Felton. The actor’s subtle humour, even in the most uncomfortable circumstances, was a hallmark of his off-screen persona. For those who admired Rickman, it’s a reminder of the wit that often lurked beneath his more forbidding roles.
Snape’s Intimidation: A Kindness in Disguise
Felton also spoke about the way Rickman interacted with young visitors on set. Despite his intimidating presence, Rickman was, in Felton’s words, “the kindest soul” he’d encountered. He made a point of inviting children with serious illnesses to the set, introducing them as relatives or friends. Rather than dropping his guard, Rickman would remain in character as Snape, much to the delight of his young fans.
He also taught me that children don’t want to meet actors, but the characters they play. I would usually greet a nine-year-old visitor by saying: “Hello, how’s it going mate?” which would usually freak them out: “Why is Draco being so happy?!”
Alan would sneer at them in front of their parents, then tell them to tuck their shirts in and clip them round the ear. Full Snape. Charming, disarming, and a delight to watch. He never smiled. But when I look back, I think he probably was inside.
Felton observed that Rickman’s commitment to his role extended beyond the cameras. By maintaining Snape’s stern façade, he gave the children an experience they would never forget. It was, in its own way, a generous act—one that brought a bit of magic to those who needed it most.
Legacy Beyond the Screen
Rickman’s approach to his craft and his interactions with others left a mark on those who worked with him. Felton, who spent years observing Rickman on set, credits him with teaching valuable lessons about charity and authenticity. The stories that have emerged since Rickman’s passing paint a picture of a man who balanced gravitas with a sly sense of fun, and who understood the impact of his presence both on and off screen.
For many, the films remain a source of comfort and nostalgia, with Rickman’s portrayal of Snape standing out as a highlight. As the anniversary of his death is marked, fans and colleagues alike continue to share memories that reveal the depth and complexity of the man behind the character.
The Harry Potter series is currently available to stream on HBO Max.