Alan Rickman’s Most Cherished Harry Potter Moment Revealed by Tom Felton

It ’s been ten years since Alan Rickman, the unforgettable actor behind Severus Snape, left us. Though he passed away at 69 after a private fight with pancreatic cancer, his impact on film and those who worked with him remains as strong as ever. Rickman’s career spanned everything from iconic villains to heartfelt roles, but it was his time in the wizarding world that left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike.

Rickman’s range was legendary. He could terrify as Hans Gruber in Die Hard or move audiences as Jamie in Truly Madly Deeply. On the tenth anniversary of his death, Tom Felton —who played Draco Malfoy—looked back on his experiences with Rickman, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the stern exterior.

Late-Night Filming and a Quiet Triumph

Felton recalled a particular night on the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The cast was shooting the scene where Hagrid’s hut goes up in flames. It was freezing, the clock had struck 4 a.m., and exhaustion was setting in. Felton, standing beside Rickman, finally worked up the nerve to check in on him.

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.

Even in the bitter cold, Rickman’s dry humor and subtle wit shone through. That brief exchange, marked by a faint smile, captured the essence of his personality—reserved, sharp, and quietly proud of his work.

Snape’s Tough Love: Bringing Magic to Young Fans

Felton also opened up about Rickman’s reputation for being intimidating on set. Despite his tough demeanor, Rickman was known for his generosity, especially toward children facing serious illness. He often invited these kids and their families to visit the set, introducing them as his relatives or friends.

Instead of dropping his character, Rickman would stay in full Snape mode, scolding and sneering at the young visitors. Far from being scared, the kids loved every second of it. Felton realized that Rickman understood what children really wanted—to meet the character, not the actor.

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 watched as Rickman, always in character, brought a special kind of magic to those visits. His commitment to the role, even off-camera, made the experience unforgettable for everyone involved.

Legacy of a Wizarding World Icon

Rickman’s influence extended far beyond his on-screen performances. He taught his younger co-stars about kindness, charity, and the importance of staying true to the characters they portrayed. Felton, reflecting on those lessons, saw Rickman as both a mentor and a friend—someone who could be intimidating, but whose heart was always in the right place.

Today, the Harry Potter films continue to enchant new generations, streaming on HBO Max. Rickman’s portrayal of Snape remains one of the most memorable in the series, a testament to his talent and the quiet pride he took in his craft.