Alan Rickman Interview | MTV News

Alan Rickman's final interview with Josh Horowitz, June 18, 2015
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0:30 - Promoting 'A Little Chaos' as a director
2:27 - How Rickman wants the audience to get immersed in his film
3:46 - Rickman's development as a director of film and theater
6:51 - On acting in a film you're also directing
7:56 - Casting Kate Winslet as Sabine de Barra in 'A Little Chaos
9:10 - Casting Matthias Schoenaerts as André Le Notre in 'A Little Chaos'
10:18 - Alan's relationship with the meme-ification of his voice
12:32 - On becoming famous at age 40
13:58 - Rickman's career change at 25 from graphic designer to actor
18:14 - Moving from stage acting to film acting for 'Die Hard'
19:27 - The major plot device that Rickman contributed to 'Die Hard'
21:37 - Playing the insane Sheriff George of Nottingham in 'Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves'
22:22 - Reflecting on 'Galaxy Quest' and Grabthar's Hammer
24:18 - How the Harry Potter franchise enabled him to pursue "other mad things"
27:55 - On being recognized as Snape by children in the street
28:39 - Reflecting on the career evolutions of the Harry Potter cast
30:34 - Rickman's childhood acting
31:21 - On the future of film distribution, big and small
35:27 - Future theater projects
36:19 - Ageism and sexism in acting
37:27 - Future as a film director
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[@CherryRed1972]

"God knows where I will be in 15 or 16 years...." Bless you Alan, you are in our hearts now.

[@janabletsch682]

Cherry Red 😍😭

[@beautyakimbo4833]

Cherry Red a

[@bambzled_5263]

That broke my heaart 😭 he didn't know...

[@naly202]

Poor dear man!

[@trinityjackson4862]

Cherry Red 😭😓💔

[@curtisdunn2909]

He played the best character in Harry Potter imo R.I.P

[@mariomario4372]

😿😭😞😢

[@tootsienotsophie]

HONESTLY

[@kool.aidddd]

HONESTLY THO

[@EasyModeFishing]

For sure. The ultimate hero but took the slings and arrows for Dumbledore

[@KitariItsSomethingRottenHere]

*Seriously, wish he would've more in screen time.*

[@taniasanchez4961]

I think the interviewer has a crush cus he blushed, giggled and sweat throughout the whole interview!

[@Agua_Gaseificada]

I mean...Who wouldnt?

[@eleanorweaverley1105]

@@Agua_Gaseificada Yeah,just look at him he is sooooo cute😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@AnastasiaCooper]

I guess I can blame nobody for acting like that in his presence... I'd been a trembling mess...

[@ytbghost1233]

And how can we blame him?

[@lamijabisic2]

Honey if I was there in that position I would automatically faint

[@allergic5]

" who knows where I'll be in 15 or 16 years..." That line just broke my heart.

[@suraakyol6260]

Sad😢

[@loverofthelordjesus3893]

Same 💔

[@DanY-gx2dv]

"God knows where I'll be in 15 or 16 years. Fingers crossed." 😔

[@RocksmithPdl]

Its your life you can take control of it, don't let it lose your grasp

[@gabygarcia2642]

+Daniel Young (conchashima) :(

[@ladynottingham89]

I miss him :(

[@KxNOxUTA]

Ah, that one got me, too. :'\ Also making me think how the interviewer must have felt about that part after Allan Rickman passed on that soon after their encounter.

[@voiceplayer2627]

My heart... We will remember him. Always. 🖤

[@jamesmacgregor3911]

I miss him more than I have ever missed any celebrity. His artistry is just beyond comparison. I honestly feel such bereavement at his loss. He just epitomised to me what having a wonderful life was. His work as Snape to me is the best work I have ever seen by an actor in the 20 years I have been alive and through all the actors I know of and have watched - male or female, I just have never seen a person seriously play a role to such perfection and it was beautiful done. I'd love to have a bit of Snape in me his character is so unique and inspirational and no one else but Alan could have portrayed it.

[@danip3270]

James MacGregor You were obviously very young when you commented. I’m twice your age, and still adore him. I know younger generations will see him forever as Snape first, and I’m sure that makes him happy. For me, seeing him as Colonel Brandon, is my favorite. The character he put on screen is so multi-dimensional. Galaxy Quest is the one I return to the most, because of his comedic timing and what appears to be a man enjoying himself immensely on set.

[@jamesmacgregor3911]

@@danip3270 I would still say the same thing, 2 years on. The role and how he played it, really affected me and I can't think of another actor that evoked such emotion for me in a performance other than Alan Rickman. If some of the other greats were to die in the next few years then it would be a different story but for me, I just felt every bit of the character in so many ways, especially towards the end of the series (it ended almost 10 years ago and at the time I would have been around 12-13 when it ended and then I was 20 at the time I made this comment). He played the role with such amazing stoicism and gravitas and to me, he along with Sir Michael Gambon just eclipsed the other performers in terms of being able to evoke such power from scenes.

[@dubistdaslicht9314]

I feel the same way and I thought I was alone with that. Glad that there are so much people who feel just like me. I was also shocked and sad about the Passing of Robin Williams but Alans Death makes me so deeply sad until this day even though I know that he is in a 1000 Times better place than this planet could ever be.

[@cincygirlintx]

That was very sweet, as I read it four years later. There are two celebrities I miss, who I feel truly made the world a better place by their humanity, decency and their work...Alan Rickman and Robin Williams. Thank GOD they will live on in film forever.

[@Isa-hr7wo]

he has made Snape an even better, deeper, more interesting and powerful literary character than JKR already managed to create but if you want an exciting character in his career, for me it's Alex Hughes in Snow Cake. I wonder how many scripts have been written with him in mind...

[@Imagi77]

As sad as it is, it's understandable as to why we never knew he suffered from cancer. The media would have tortured him and his family if the public knew. Make it worse.... The media are nasty to celebrities, no matter what about. Even having a day off is dangerous according those types of people. I am so heartbroken of his passing. I will always treasure this man with all the wonderful things he gave us all, his films... his personality.... Always.

[@chloella2786]

+Ugly Bat I love your picture!!

[@JimboMarsh]

The media is a piece of shit in general.

[@Imagi77]

@@chloella2786 lol, thank u XD

[@magdalenanawrocka1241]

Always. [*] [*]

[@grinningcheshire7695]

When he said “God knows where I’ll be in 15 16 years, fingers crossed” I felt that he knew... and for a second he looked scared, when he took the big breath in...💔 however, this might just be my emotional brain making things up. In any case, love you Alan, always. Great actor, great person.

[@jasmineadams2680]

Always 😔💔

[@ninavratn.k]

On which minute he said this?

[@ruby-fj1hd]

I think he knew this because I heard that in the one interview with helium he knows that he was ill ... and this was after that... :(

[@judematas8507]

this was june and he wasn't diagnosed til aug but sometime our we foretell things without knowing why.😪

[@Hsejjes]

I am looking forward to the publication of his diaries.

[@VivianRusso13]

So heartbroken about his passing. I didn't even know he had cancer. Had no idea he was this bubbly and funny in real life, tearing-up. This makes me as sad as Snape's flashback sequence in HP7 part 2. My condolences to Alan's family. RIP

[@Charizarzar]

He didn't tell anyone except family and close friends. Same with Bowie :(

[@daniellemusella1594]

Those 2 were the epitome of "Keep calm, and carry on".

[@magdalenanawrocka1241]

Same... I'm crying.. [*][*][*]

[@pollymahone9392]

2016 SUCKED!

[@vannetzb7479]

Alan Rickman like professor Snape...brave to the end

[@hannahsophie2292]

still waiting that someone says: "It war's just a joke. He's still alive. "

[@margieniles7324]

Hannah Sophie. Yes. You are speaking my mind. Thank you. 😢😢😢

[@grinningcheshire7695]

So true! 💔

[@nelakovarova914]

I hope that it's true because I Always wanted to meet him and hear his voice in real life and say to him how much He changed my life and how much i love him .❤️😭😭😭

[@magdalenanawrocka1241]

@@nelakovarova914 [*] 😭😭

[@giabenefactor2811]

Tell me he is alive...tell meeeeee

[@cheyennebrennan966]

Yes, the "Fifteen or sixteen years" comment is devastating, but what helps me is the fact that, of all the times we could have been born, it was during a time when this wonderful man was blessing the world with his incredible skills. Yes, I miss him everyday, but he existed, and we will ALWAYS have the gifts he left behind. R.I.P my darling. 💖

[@hsd287]

True but we were born when he was already getting older he was in 50s and 60s during his time on Harry Potter when most of us were kids

[@cheyennebrennan966]

@@hsd287 He was still there with us. It just helps me cope, no one else has to take this on too.

[@wildchild4713]

That interviewer soooo in love with Alan - I can see a sparks in his eyes

[@meerizy1264]

Yes daddy I mean, who isn’t

[@naly202]

This sweet man's voice was like the contented purr of a big cat. So soothing.

[@honeydate]

my gorgeous English man crush. Rest in paradise x

[@anjali3513]

"God knows where I'll be in 15 or 16 years" just was too much to handle😢 Will love you always Alan. RIP ❤️

[@HELLOZacha]

It's hard to realise that I am listening to a dead man speaking. I'm still in shock! I never got to meet him... But he seems to be a really great man ✨ Alan Rickman I respect you so much!!!! You will always be loved ❤️ I wish you a great afterlife you deserve to be in heaven and to be happy !!!!!

[@isaiahbaggett5014]

His legacy lives on...Always...❤

[@marlenemontooth9926]

When the interviewer says "you'll be fine." 💔

[@daniellemusella1594]

Makes you wonder if he was already sick by this point.

[@blabliblub9853]

i though he had a minor stroke a month after the interview and then they discovered that he had cancer... am i wrong?

[@MadonnaGrogan]

Tone deaf, tin ears

[@Fultic]

Wands up for alan rickman /* Wow I didn’t realize how many people liked me and I can’t believe I posted this 3 yrs ago.

[@Agencyagent33]

Fultic /*

[@leagillact-o-graphy1690]

* | (+🌂 Hagrid‘s wand... although it should be facing up, actually.)

[@leagillact-o-graphy1690]

😪

[@eliftulumtas4449]

* |

[@ruymii2449]

/*

[@Casterfails]

I cried when he said, " God knows where I'll be in 15 or 16 years.. " ;-; God why Alan

[@catguy4996]

Alan Rickman's voice is so soothing. I could listen to him (aka Snape) talk for hours. But RIP Alan Rickman. And RIP Snape too, cause Snape did in fact die

[@omhinhyun3133]

RIP . I just can't take the fact that he is dead

[@lolag6757]

omhinhyun DONT TALK

[@jiangciyang3860]

@@cheyennebrennan966 Dumbledore and his inspirational saying are annoying

[@vt2788]

@@cheyennebrennan966 Cat fight

[@vt2788]

@@cheyennebrennan966 That's ok

[@danip3270]

Well said. Most of us feel the same, I think.

[@Vadfuly]

His smile. 💖

[@hehehehe7584]

His voice is the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard

[@savinesnape]

This is wonderful to see him relaxed and laughing. I've laughed and I've cried. We truly have lost a beautiful man. Thoughts are still with Rima, his family and his friends. RIP Alan, you'll always own a piece of my heart.

[@NicholsFan]

The end of this is heartbreaking about him talking about what his future plans are and the film his waiting to perhaps make, more directing in the future and doing more plays. I am just devastated we will never see him again in film, on stage and being this genuine, warm, caring human being while being interviewed.

[@janetkrejci6687]

I will always love watching Alan Rickman. According to his diaries, he was diagnosed just one month after this interview, around July 15, 2015. Pancreatic cancer is cruel and fast. It took a friend of mine last year in about the same time frame.

[@jihopes]

such a huge part of my life growing up. he'll be missed :(

[@Solar_Daddy]

He is so beautiful when he talks, expressing every thought in just enough words.

[@wt8012]

Alan's last interview... Man, this is so sad. He was such a unique and amazingly talented actor. And a really lovely guy, too. Still can't believe he's gone... :-(

[@Eileen_5115]

After nearly 5 years I still miss this man so much❤️💔😭 R.I.P Alan ❤️

[@dragonboss9695]

Same💔😭💔😭

[@miyamotokai8872]

Same here, he is like a warm hearted teddy bear,...I love his sweet nature...Miss Alan so much.

[@hsd287]

Yes no matter how long it's still terrible

[@ShadowFXMotionDesignGFX]

After all this time? Always.

[@lilyrose7351]

🥺

[@Sherubiii]

“God knows where I’ll be in 15 or 16 years…fingers crossed” “You’ll be fine” That right there, is emotional damage

[@danielledeschamps3769]

I think it’s so inspiring to hear that he really started acting when he was in his 20s and then did die hard when he was 39/40. It just goes to show that you can’t ever give up on a dream. I miss him, he was kind and talented.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@DanielleDeschamps I've never heard a bad word said about him from anyone, unless they were directly quoting him. From what I can gather, he was a real-life Prince Charming, very sweet and always eager to give advice. (2/12/2022)

[@danielledeschamps3769]

@@daniellemusella1594 neither have I. He’s very well respected it seems.

[@CheyanneGAbel]

"God knows where I'll be in 15 or 16 years" just made my heart sink! He knew and didn't tell the media. I don't blame him though. God bless you, Alan!

[@kristinek]

His voice makes me melt. Great actor, missed him so much.❤

[@CasuallyObssesed]

God, I loved this man. So sad that he passed away. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

[@paulmelville2126]

Alan’s humble answers to this crass interviewer still shines through.

[@Thyagohills]

OHHHHH his voice..

[@elisabetta611]

It hasn't even been a month but it's already been far too long. RIP to a magnificent artist and human being. Always.

[@charmedbycharms4975]

Watching this interview, I wish they'd play "A Little Chaos" in theaters across the globe, so that Alan's fans could unite in support of this fantastic man and watch the film as he wished it to be seen--without the pause button--just a group of people getting off their couches and computers, coming together and sharing their commonality of respect and admiration for this man's life and work in the way he'd have appreciated most.

[@kz1738]

The interviewer is totally fan-girling during the whole interview, and I'm right there with him!

[@kimram7205]

Even after all those years... I still can't get over the fact that Alan is gone...😭

[@selinawolf7831]

When he speaks, angels sing from above.. I miss this beautiful soul more and more every day. I adore him so much . RIP brave man✨❤️

[@eman4717]

The interviewer was so confused ..happy ..excited ...and most important he was so in love ...you can see it all in his sparkling eyes ....if I was him absolutely could have fainted in the first 5 minutes ..rip dear alan ...you ll always be remembered

[@jules9266]

He had the most beautiful voice ... I miss him so so much

[@888mf4]

Alan Rickman was such a great actor and remained humble despite all of his success. May he rest in peace.

[@Cleo_Lynx]

so hard to believe he's gone. He was a phenomenal actor and person. he'll be missed... Always.

[@itspricila]

what a wonderful man so sad that he passed away

[@moodown]

I just love to listen to his voice. It eases my mind

[@itsallloveingenz]

38:33, gosh Alan’s face after the interviewer says “don’t make the rest of us look bad” just kills me…especially considering the fact that he knew he was ill here..rest in peace, love. 💔

[@Leeloosavestheworld]

This interview was done in June 2015, two months prior to his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, which was discovered after a minor stroke in August 2015. He died in January 2016. ** CORRECTION: From Madly, Deeply - Alan Rickman's published diaries - Rickman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 14, 2015, and suffered a mini-stroke on September 7, 2015, after beginning chemotherapy treatments. **

[@itsallloveingenz]

@@Leeloosavestheworld I know that's what it says on Wikipedia, but if you listen to the "A Life Lived" podcast about him that has both Alan's brothers on it, they classify the stroke he had as a reaction to chemo he was receiving for cancer at the time.

[@Leeloosavestheworld]

@@itsallloveingenz I had just finished listening to his diaries, so now I will go to the hard copy I have of that book to see if that is where I got that sequence of events or if it was from an article I had read.

[@Leeloosavestheworld]

@@itsallloveingenz Thank you for your correction. I went back to Madly, Deeply (his published diaries) and confirmed his cancer diagnosis (July 14, 2015) and beginning chemotherapy treatments preceded his mini-stroke on September 7, 2015. I will listen to the podcast you mentioned for more information.

[@itsallloveingenz]

@@Leeloosavestheworld Of course! I hope you enjoy it. It has two parts to it. :)

[@nicolacrouch9524]

I still can't get over that he's no longer with us. Rip Alan xxx

[@hannahmaria9021]

Josh: "I just wanna know in theory, would you avenge me?" Alan: "... I'm sure I would, yeah." I laughed out loud at that! What a legend, I'll ever stop missing that man.

[@blinkyou1]

I could listen to his voice for days. Rest well dear man.

[@taylorwolfgang9787]

such a funny guy and a soft soul. rest in peace Alan Rickman

[@chrissi418]

6:22 olways... ollllllways.... I love this part!

[@meerizy1264]

Haha yeah same

[@solenelaroche3915]

Yu can clearly see the admiration into the eyes of mister Horowitz. I'm in love with that kind of conversation where the person is absorded by the other, and just listen. It's beautiful.

[@washing_machine_guy]

It’s amazing, for 69 and his battle with cancer, whether he knew it at the time or not because pancreatic cancer is very unnoticeable until it’s too late, he looked so well for his age!

[@hsd287]

True but I believe he had no idea it's horrible so many lives such illnesses took away 😭

[@washing_machine_guy]

@@hsd287 it’s such a shame...

[@karenkms2019]

Alan Rickman is “Severus Snape”. No one can play this character like him. Miss him so much.🥺 Will ALWAYS be in our hearts.❤

[@sugastyl]

A man that knew his craft so well. He will be truly missed :(

[@angela.dicarlo]

as someone who went to school for theatre; I learn more from listening to Alan about acting than I did going to school.. the man was a genius... I am so saddened by his passing

[@helendabbs6622]

Wow. What a wonderful interview of an amazing man. Im glad of you tube on these sort of occasions. It's like he's still with us. Alan was the best of the best and then some! He will be long in our memories.

[@iremderici01]

6:23 Always Always 😥😥

[@EliasObermann-Bernwald]

His smile makes me laugh and cry at the same time... 💔❤️

[@Christian_Girl120]

It's so sad that he's gone. From many accounts he was a nice man and very generous too. It's a rare combination seeing an attractive guy like him also be down to earth. There will be no other like him in all the world. We will miss you Alan. RIP.

[@carlsfaithcascano694]

Watching this in 2019 makes me miss him 😢😢 and his role❤ You're "ALWAYS" in our hearts

[@1171]

We've lost a most beautiful actor love his ability to captivate an audience that truly loves anything he does so versatile we will miss you Alan Rickman but thank you for leaving us with your great film and love that voice! No other like this !

[@sherryfall7396]

Love his silky voice, very calming!

[@_hazelyn__6065]

this popped up in my recommendation at the time i miss Alan so much

[@Dutchfruitjar]

Such a wonderful artist. I had the biggest crush on him since I first saw him when I was 10. Miss you, Alan. Cant imagine this giant, palpable void ever going away. Thank goodness for films and interviews like these.

[@tamsonebarley5185]

Alan is stunning as usual. This interviewer asked some awkward questions in an awkward way, though. I felt bad Alan was subjected to him for 38 minutes at many points.

[@sierrachastant8461]

He was one strong man an amazing beautiful kind caring friendly he was amazing I miss him . he was a true king of life he was life grateful of. His own a magnificent guy. Bless rima Horton Rickman his widow and bless his soul that in heaven walks amongst us.

[@mayabader2924]

He has made this interview yet knowing about his future and health. Such a brave man, incredible. Remarkable. I will always remember him.

[@saraallouche2836]

"(...) where I'll be in 15 or 16 yrs" 🙏🏼😭 loved Him so much ❤️

[@marikanevus]

*Keeping fingers crossed and waiting for a miracle to happen* I miss you so much Al ♥ :(

[@rainiepellegrin8722]

What time stamp was it

[@rael1999]

Such an immense talent ! Sadly missed ! I couldn't think of anyone better to have brought Snape's character to life and deliver his lines in such a way that constantly held your attention !

[@shizenwong4816]

can't believe it's been 7 months already

[@mindyschocolate]

Shizen Wong I'm still in disbelief. I just can't believe he's here one day and gone the next. The good ones are always gone prematurely and we're left with the garbage people.

[@jones1618]

There are several articles saying that Rickman's interview on Jimmy Fallon with the helium balloons is his last one but clearly this interview came later. So, as far as I can determine this may be Alan Rickman's last interview. Being such an in depth retrospective of his career, it is a wonderful legacy and testament to him.

[@jaclyntamura5347]

So heartbroken to hear about his passing. He was an amazing and an inspirational man. My condolences go out to Rima and the rest of Alan Rickman's family. To me he may have pased but he will never be forgotten because as long as he is remember he is immortal.

[@luka9090]

You are *always* in our hearts 💭

[@flamingolingo6169]

Such an angel love you so much alan ! Voice of an angel always soothes me no matter what mood im in i love and miss you my handsome angel

[@Foodie_the_tank_engine]

His voice…I can listen to it all day 🥹❤

[@kurtcobain3544]

His voice makes me excited.

[@Lastskykey]

his voice makes my heart drops and give me blush. I miss him so much

[@kathygoodman6159]

It wasn't until I saw Alan Rickman as himself that I could really appreciate Snape. RIP Alan, I will love you Always.

[@timea..]

its been 8 years now but i still cant belive it💔Rest in love alan🖤

[@Hannelle84]

He became my favourite actor in memoriam...

[@solounseranonimo1323]

I just close my eyes and see Professor Snape 😩

[@cynthiaennis3107]

He was a gorgeous man with an amazing voice! Great accent & smile, as well! Super talented & charming man! ♥️

[@janessasena835]

The interviewer keeps stuttering and blushing.... i mean... Who wouldn't? Lol

[@thatsbadash4564]

This interviewer is so good. You can tell he actually cares about Alan's answers.

[@khadijaaldallal5765]

How sad is that... Seeing his last interview really made my heart broken, i saw lots of comments saying that he knew that he gonna die ... Well he had cancer that time so he knew 💔💔💔💔 idk how i stop missing Alan ,i wished i could met him , and tell him that he will be ALWAYS my fav actor

[@coerosttle2967]

Same with me. :((

[@nataliapycio7194]

2020 and I’m still crying. Love and miss u half blood prince🥺

[@miyamotokai8872]

Watching this really hurts me, knowing Alan is not in this universe...but at the same time, always so happy to see him. when he laughs, it's like an angel...I miss him so much, truly, madly, deeply.

[@edenrain6062]

it’s been five years and here i am, watching these so i can smile.

[@coerosttle2967]

"Last Interview" made me sadder. This is heart breaking though he is surely not forgotten. Wands up for Alan. /*

[@dragonboss9695]

I miss him 💔😭😖/*

[@coerosttle2967]

@@dragonboss9695 We sure all do miss him. :

[@dragonboss9695]

@@coerosttle2967 I'm not a fan, I'm in love with him👋

[@coerosttle2967]

@@dragonboss9695 Oh, blamey- Same with me, huhu. In that case, I consider you my friend already. 😩👌

[@coerosttle2967]

@@dragonboss9695 Do you have twitter or social media accounts? I am looking for someone to bond with, but they don't wanna 'coz all I talk about is Alan, lol.

[@jitlv]

That voice, that persona, Alan Rickman was unique.

[@nvi8824]

0:26. Take a screenshot and thank me later.

[@leahthomson1124]

omg thanks 😌

[@nongenericeric]

He passed 4 days shy of 7 months after this interview. How cancer could have worked so fast is quite unbelievable. We will love you always

[@DarkKatzy013]

By the gods that mans voice is amazing. Rest in Peace Mr. Rickman . You are always in our hearts 💫✨💥 /