Alan Rickman’s Diaries Of 25 Years Will Be Published As A Book

Nov 24, 2020

The much-loved English actor, Alan Rickman, who passed away on January 14, 2016 from pancreatic cancer, had been writing in diaries since the early '90s. As was always his wish, his handwritten journals are now set to be published in the fall of 2022. The rights were acquired by Canongate for worldwide distribution and by Holt for the US.

The world mourned the passing of Alan Rickman when he died at the age of 69. Known for his distinctive voice, sharp tongue, and warm heart, people from all walks of life expressed their grief. And now the world will have the chance to learn more about Rickman from beyond the grave.

The 27 diaries are due to be consolidated into one book entitled: The Diaries of Alan Rickman. Rickman began handwriting these journals in the early '90s when he was already enjoying a successful film career. According to The Guardian, it was always his intention that the diaries one day get published.

The diaries are a no filter account of Rickman's life, from his political views, to reviews of theatre and film, to thoughts about his career, and glimpses inside the intimate moments of his life. He continued to write the diaries right up to his death in 2016.

Rickman was born in London in 1946, where he lived until his death. The actor rose to fame in the late '80s, though he himself was late to acting. Having first trained and worked as a graphic designer, Rickman was a student at RADA between 1972 and 1974, reports The Guardian.

His acting career quickly took off. He developed a solid reputation at the Royal Shakespeare Company and received high praise for his role as Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

The first time Rickman appeared on the big screen was in 1988 as Hans Gruber in Die Hard. Another notable role he played was in 1991 as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. This role saw him win a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He captured the hearts of a new generation of fans when, for a decade, he played the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series.

Rickman met the love of his life, Rima Horton, in 1965 when the pair were 19 and 18 years old, respectively. Both students at the time, they moved in together in 1977 but were only married in 2012 in a private ceremony in New York City. They didn't have any children and were together until the end.

An economist and former politician, Horton is glad that her late husband's diaries will be out in the world, as was his wish. In an interview with The Guardian, Horton stated:

“I’m delighted that Canongate will be publishing Alan’s diaries, and couldn’t have wished for a finer appointment of editor than Alan Taylor. 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.”

The editor selected to work on the book is Alan Taylor. He is currently the editor of the Scottish Review of Books and has been a journalist for over 30 years. He has previously worked on The Country Diaries, which was also a collection of journals from authors such as Beatrix Potter, Dorothy Wordsworth, and John Fowles, also published by Canongate.

Speaking to The Guardian, Canongate revealed their thoughts on the project: “More than anything though, the diaries reveal the real Alan Rickman, funny, passionate, occasionally provocative, and give fresh insight into his art. He wrote his diaries as if chatting with a close friend. They provide pitch-perfect vignettes: short, pithy paragraphs painting big pictures, and offering intriguing insights into himself, his peers, and the world around him. They are intimate, perceptive, and very funny.”

It is not often that we get a peek into the mind of one of the stage and screen's greatest actors. The book also promises to be full of reviews of productions he went to see, and it is said he does not hold back! It will be fascinating to see his thoughts on acting, the films he's starred in, and the circles he moved in — we are sure there are some inside secrets about his famous friends too.

Simon Thorogood, who is the editorial director at Canongate, says that Rickman “fans everywhere are in for a rare treat.” We can't wait to read it!

Will you be reading a copy of Alan Rickman's intriguing diaries? Have you ever read the diary of a celebrity before? Let us know below, and spread the word that the acting legend's legacy will live on through his notes.