Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the franchise, shared a sweet story about Alan Rickman. From 2001-2011, the actor grew up onscreen as Gryffindor's resident bumbling student in all eight screen adaptions of the iconic books. His memorable character became more fleshed out in the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, as it dove into his backstory. By the series' grand finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, Lewis' Longbottom earned hero status for destroying Voldemort's final Horcrux: his snake Nagini.
In his post-Potter career, Lewis has joined the chorus of fellow co-stars who feel frustrated by the box they're put in. He's said that while he's grateful for Harry Potter, he can't shake being seen as Neville Longbottom. Echoing similar statements made by Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, Lewis said it's disappointing to be seen as a character he hasn't played in over a decade. Even so, with a seasoned actor like Rickman as a co-star, it's easy to imagine a young actor seeking guidance on his career, but Lewis reveals how he nearly missed his chance.
During an interview on the podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Lewis recalled finally having a heart-to-heart with Rickman. After being too shy to talk with the prolific talent, Lewis said he finally worked up the courage on Rickman's final filming day. He told host Rosenbaum:
"I went to his trailer. And I just said to him, 'Hey, I know it’s your last day, and I just wanted to say this has been incredible, to have worked with you for this long. I know that we’ve not really spoken very much, but I just wanted to say it was because I terrified, but you were incredible... Thank you for allowing me to work with you for 10 years and not ever shout at me or treating any of us as anything less than your equal.' And he was like, 'Come on in.' And he put the kettle on, and we had a cup of tea and we chatted about what I was going to do in my career moving forward and what he recommended I do."
Lewis looks back on the moment fondly, revealing that he's never done that with another actor since. After their complicated teacher-student relationship onscreen, it's heartwarming to learn that Rickman was such an incredible leader offscreen. Lewis's story fits in with the overall reputation Rickman left behind. Despite his dark portrayal of Snape while the cameras were rolling, the Golden Globe-winner was known for his kind demeanor, particularly with the kids, once the directors called cut.
Even real-life Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, has proclaimed Rickman's generous ways. Radcliffe and Rickman were friends, with the latter gifting the boy a copy of Catcher in the Rye. He's previously said that spending time with the regarded talent at such a formative age was essential to his journey. Another notable testimonial amongst the heaps was Tom Felton (Draco), who was fortunate enough to share many life-changing chats with Rickman, who he affectionately calls a hero. In the end, Rickman exemplified true magic throughout his life: kindness.
Source: Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
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