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Alan Rickman Was 'Dubious' About Playing Severus Snape

After receiving the James Joyce Award last month, Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) spoke to a large group of students in Theater P in the Newman Building at University College Dublin. The University Observer interviewed him afterwards.

When asked about his tendency to play villains like "Hans Gruber" in Die Hard, "the Sheriff of Nottingham" in Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, as well as "Professor Snape" in the Harry Potter films, Rickman was quoted to have responded:

“WHERE ARE YOU getting this from? I have been acting for 35 years and those five or six roles make such a small part of my career!”

“When selecting roles, you just try and do what you didn’t just do.”

In fact, Alan Rickman had reservations about taking the part of Severus Snape in spite of obtaining J.K. Rowling’s approval.

Click here to read more.

“I said to Jo Rowling, ‘Look, I can’t play him unless I know him’. She then gave me this elliptical piece of information that I didn’t really understand at first. It was information she hadn’t told anyone else, not even her sister, but it gave me what I needed to take on Snape.”

Rickman had a similar apprehension about portraying "Colonel Brandon" in Sense and Sensibility, the film adaptation written by Emma Thompson (Professor Trelawney) of the novel by Jane Austen:

“I was very wary about it. I happen to love Jane Austen. When I first read her work, it was that type of moment where you wanted to show it to people and tell them how beautiful it is,” he explains.

“It was challenging, especially with the period clothes. You have to wear them for weeks, just practising how to walk and bow… and learning how to go to the bathroom. But I like limitations. They are good for a role. They help apply imagination to the story,..Like with my rubber head in Galaxy Quest.”

In the interview, Rickman also mentions how he feels about working in theater and working with Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.

Click here to read the complete article.

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by @ 28 Sep 2010 - 17:33

Even though I had seen you in movies before, I never really took notice till I saw you as Professior Snape. I then wanted to go back and see all your other movies. I am now a big fan of yours. No one could have done a better Snape, but now I see how truly good an actor you've always been and love seeing you in all other roles. If I see you in a movie, I now record in even. BTW, I am a grandmother of 7 and had to read the Books to see what the fuss was about. Love the books and movies. You WERE Professior Snape. love ya

by @ 28 Sep 2010 - 17:32

by @ 11 Mar 2010 - 10:03

Hello my name is Ana and I am your fan number 1 Alan you are better of all those of the index and your way of acting is what mas I like I love you indeed. love

by @ 9 Feb 2010 - 20:05

Alan, what can I say? you are my favorite actor. one of the most flexible actors too... who can do such different roles like you? (ie. a hairstylist, a wine seller, a seemingly dark potions master, even an unfaithful college professor.) we can learn many things from you. hasta aqui en mexico te amamos. cuidate mucho.

by @ 15 May 2009 - 16:05

alan eu te amo mais do que tudo queria me casar com tigo

by bets @ 30 Apr 2009 - 16:09

he's the man..seriously. he was sooo good in sense and sensibility!!!! and, i cant even imagine anyone else playing snape..he's just perfect for it