Description

Neil Pearson on the process of publishing Alan Rickman’s diaries

Alan Rickman remains one of the most beloved actors of all time across almost every genre, from his breakout role as Die Hard’s villainous Hans Gruber to his heart-wrenching run as Professor Severus Snape, and beyond. From 1993 until his death in 2016, he also kept diaries: anecdotal, indiscreet, witty, gossipy, utterly candid; over a million words in Rickman’s calligraphic hand (adorned with beautiful illustrations) reflecting his previous career as a graphic designer.

On Rickman’s death, the diaries were passed to personal friend and fellow actor Neil Pearson by his widow, Rima; and acting on instruction, Neil secured a publishing deal with Cannongate, sight unseen, and the diaries were published in October last year. In this in-conversation event, Neil talks about the process of bringing the diaries to publication.

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