Emma Thompson's moving tribute to Alan Rickman 

He was gorgeous. The older I get the more I fall in love with his very layered portrayal of Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility. The ultimate Gothic hero.

I’m so glad Alan and Emma were friends…two extraordinary beings.

Her "Hold on, Thompson!" While shaking and on the verge of tears to not break down and continue the speech shows you everything there is to know about her love and respect for her friend.❤️

I meet him once in Boots and said hello, he realised it was a reflex to recognising a known face. He picked up an item we both were looking at, smiled and said “well hello there are we going to arm wrestle for this?” That deep tone rendered me mute, I realised it was Mr Rickman and instantly denied needing this forgotten thing, apologised for well nothing really, smiled and backed away. He was a giant of a fellow on and off the stage and will be missed.

Alan Rickman was one of the most brilliant actors we have ever seen and he will be sincerely missed. Thank you Emma for this lovely and fitting tribute.

I’ve always loved Alan but Emma’s ability to articulate all of his wonderful qualities brought tears to my eyes and I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved her, not to mention as Hugh Grant said…she’s mad as a chair. This is a woman who’ll never grow old, just age like fine wine.

I’m massively impressed at Emma’s ability to speak those words without breaking down. I lost my best friend a few years ago and, even now, am unable to speak about him without ending up in tears. If I had been able to speak about him at his funeral I would have poured out my admiration and devotion, but I was only able to sob. To this day I am heartbroken. I can only hope we meet again one day.

"I could flap him like nobody's business." Classic Emma Thompson, wielding her sparkling wit, and even at such a somber time, it's not only appropriate, it's perfection. And certainly a fitting tribute to Alan Rickman. Almost 7 years on, and I'm still not over his death. The world is a darker, sadder place without his light. And I absolutely have to echo what she said: "We shall not see his like again." We miss you, Professor. ❤❤❤

I had the pleasure of meeting him once when I worked at The Gap. One of the only actors I believe I would ever approach, but I didn’t have to. He read that I was dumbfounded and laughed, said hello, I said hi, told him how much I loved him and he put out his hand and introduced himself. It was so generous, nice and engaging. I miss seeing him in movies 😢

I loved him and the fact that he - politely - turned down royal honors. Humble, deep, kind and brilliantly talented. Rest in paradise, Alan. You made the Earth a better place.

To have someone speak this way about me after passing would mean the world

I am delighted to hear that Emma could "flap" him. Everyone needs a friend who is close enough to us to get under our skin :)

Never met him, just adored him at a distance. Can't wait to read the diary. Thank you Emma.

This was a beautiful and vibrant tribute to Allen. Thank you for sharing it with us.

and to think i was finished crying over Alan's passing. here we are again. always.

This does bring tears. I fell for him in "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and loved him in everything I saw. That voice. Only one in the world like it.

There’s a tribute that should urge us all to do better in life. Being a famous or even well known artist isn’t required. Just need to be real, sincere, committed, honest and kind.

I'm so glad to hear Alan Rickman was all the wonderful things I imagined him to be. Thank you for articulating his qualities, Emma. RIP Alan Rickman.

Still heartbroken at his passing. Such a huge loss.

A close friend of mine bumped into him in a theatre in London many years ago. My friend instantly recognised Mr Rickman and from nowhere, instantly found the courage to ask him for his autograph. Having neither pen nor paper for this, he asked Mr Rickman if he would mind waiting a moment whist he collected the items from somewhere, anywhere! The moment became at least 10 minutes or so, and when my friend ran back to a now empty theatre foyer, he noticed one solitary figure. Mr Rickman had waited patiently for my friend to give him what he asked for. In a day and age where we're hearing more and more horror stories about the Hollywood elite, this tale becomes more and more profound, and shows that there are some real human beings in the industry.

Everything she said is true. I was fortunate to have dinner with him and his wife and his drama teacher. He was charming and friendly and shared some great ideas about directing, which I use today in my theater group. He is missed by many. 🎭🎶😊

The fact that she still misses him so very much speaks volumes about their relationship and how much she loved him. They were really great friends.

I was lucky enough to work with him on a film. At lunchtime I joined the line for a meal and as I payed and went to turn to look for a table, someone knocked into me from behind and my drink went flying. I turned and it was Alan, he apologized put his hand on my shoulder and said let me get you another. He came back with a cup of tea and I was so overwhelmed. I was shocked how he was so down to earth and a real gentleman. Alan you were magnificent , professional and a real pleasure to be around. Thank you ❤

He was kind of mysterious, he seemed to hold so many things about himself that was his alone, no one was to know. Superb Actor.

I had the privilege to see Alans London performance in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” along with Lindsey Duncan 30+ years ago . He was brilliant , his voice, his stage presence unmatched. I followed his career since then & was happy he became so successful. Incredible actor, I miss him.

Awesome tribute to Alan Rickman!!!!! He was a wonderful man and actor.

Despite being a remembrance to Alan Rickman who was absolutely one of the greatest English actors of the last half century, this tribute is obviously a sharing of the brilliant writing, the uniquely distinctive writing, that comes from Emma Thompson it is like she is reminding us why she won the Oscar for writing and why it's an absolute crime that she has not written more for the screen, for her fans, for us. Emma, we need you. Yes you're a great actor actress. But you're a far greater writer get your ars to work. :-)

That moment in Truly, Madly, Deeply when he sang - at Juliet Stevenson’s request - “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”, is one of my favorite musical moments in film

I still can't believe he's gone. I remember that cursed day. I couldn't stop crying. He will "Always" be there with us.

Great tribute. I always suspected he was a bit peculiar but magnetic at the same time. But that voice! Our loss.

From the moment I heard Colonel Brandon say "I must away to London" I was hooked. Alan Rickman was a legend.

I hear his voice in my head right now. It was a rich, beautiful, unique voice. I miss his presence in our world.

I never met him, but I watched him like a stalker. Whenever a movie came out, I was first in line. Didn’t matter the film quality, if he was in it, it was a great film for me. He swallowed up the screen and spit out a glorious performance every time. No matter what. I will miss him, and with him goes the joy and excitement of expectation for a new film. It’s not going to ever be the same.

I can't watch his performance in sense and sensibility without tearing up.

I wish I could write and speak half as eloquently as Emma. My heart breaks whenever I've heard her speak about Alan. As another said, I'm glad they were friends.

Still cannot believe he's gone. Such a lovely smart funny warm human being. Not far he got sick and died so young. His voice, OMG, I don't think I'll ever forget it. 😭 😢💔

Beautiful tribute. His Colonel Brandon is and always will be my favourite movie character ever!

I remember the first time I saw him was in Die Hard, and I was gobsmacked!! Who IS this guy, I thought--he is so unbelievably compelling --and handsome!😅! How lucky we were, to have him share his amazing talent and self with us. 💖

Brilliant tribute to a brilliant human being. Thank you Emma for all your love you gave to him and us.

He's been gone 6 years and I miss him as an actor. I first saw him on a BBC drama series from one of Anthony Trollope's novels, Barchester Towers. He played a vicar Slope, with the late Donald Pleasance. A terrific cast and series. Absolutely worth watching but he was and remains one of my favourite actors. A lovely tribute Emma Thompson thank you.

Alan was the perfect man. Emma wrote Col. Brandon for him. He was a good man & amazingly talented. I still miss him terribly. I m looking forward to reading his diaries. I know the shock of his death has the many ppl who loved him, still processing the grief. I know I will continue to miss him.

A most wonderful man. I crossed his path a few times, but spoke to him only once, and I was enamored. I was just 19, beginning my life, I had the incredible opportunity to listen to him speak for 2 hours in New York. I was entranced the entire time, I’d loved him since I was a child, not just for Harry Potter, but lots of other projects as well. I regret so much I never got to see him on the stage. I was too poor to afford a ticket to broadway. I wish I’d sold a kidney now so I could have experienced it- I thought I’d have many more opportunities, but I didn’t. I wrote him a letter, which I hand delivered to him the night I saw him speak. Not sure if he ever read it, but he was so gracious when I gave it to him. “May I give you a letter?” I asked. He looked at me, slightly surprised, his famous eyebrow lifting the tiniest bit. “Yes...of course.” I blushed, wondering if it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, but I’d poured my heart into it, a full two pages of what I loved about his acting, the roles I enjoyed the most, how his films helped me through some difficult times in my life. “Thank you so much,” I said, and handed him the envelope. “Thank you,” he said, taking it and tucking it into the inside pocket of his jacket…I’d used my fanciest pen, the nicest paper I could afford (from Walmart), and my very best cursive handwriting. I wanted to die after I gave it to him, imagining he got into the cab or wherever he was going and abandoned it, thrown it in the trash, or worse, read the first few sentences and thought it was the most ridiculous thing he’s ever read and laughed as he ripped it into pieces before dropping it in the bin. He was the most captivating person, and Emma Thompson has given us such a beautiful insight here into the incredible human he was. I will agree in my brief interactions with him (the time I exchanged a few words, and the few times I passed him on the streets of London where I smiled and walked by without a word), he was both intimidating and sweet. His contradictions are incredibly unique and beautiful. Too bad he didn’t start a cult, I would have absolutely joined it 😊 What a man. Thank you Emma for this glorious celebration of a special person. It’s inspiring, gut-wrenching, and beautiful! As a student in London I lived onl

Words from a true friend. I hope I have someone to speak about me like that when I am gone. 😊

At the end of 2001 my then husband and I were lucky enough to see Private Lives in London With Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan. What a treat! Both wonderful actors and a performance I shall never forget.

Everytime I see Alan....a picture, a movie....if I hear his voice...my heart aches for losing him....such an incredible man...his soul....the world is a sadder place without him

Oh, how I miss him and that velvet voice. Rest in Peace, dear Alan. Thank you for sharing your brilliant gifts with us.

I always loved him. He exudes a clever dark wit that appeals to me. One of a kind.

Can you please let Dame Emma know how much this has touched me. I hope I inspire the same profound love in my friends that she so obviously still feels for Mr Rickman.

Emma Thompson's tribute to the wonderful Alan Rickman was so beautiful and so moving. I first saw Alan Rickman as the unforgettable Reverend Obadiah Slope in Barchester Chronicles, and then in two of my favorite movies, "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and "Sense and Sensibility". He was such a marvelous actor and had that most unusual voice. So sorry he was taken too soon.

I was but a 14 year old girl when I first became enamored by Alan Rickman as the dashing and dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Emma Thompson is right...there will never be another like him and cinema will infinitely miss his affable charm and sinister quirks. The man could perform them all in succession to keep you ever on your toes and breathless waiting for the next moment.

all good things about Alan having been said can we just appreciate how deliciously fantastic of a writer Emma is. I just wanna be in her presence as she speaks always.

Thank you Emma for this. I remember him most in Truly, Madly, deeply. Never have I cried so hard.

Emma gave such a poignant, splendid salute to Alan, captured with so much heart that even in a short speech it's as if you knew him already. Worth listening to again and again. ♥️

My family always thank him when our lives are going well, and ask for his help when they are not! Because he has been made our guardian angel. We so much want him to still be here.

Two legends and two beautiful souls

He was just gorgeous. Watching him act or doing an interview meant to swept into a rushing flood of water, so enveloped by whatever he was talking about or whatever part he was playing.

"Keep it together Thompson" made me tear up, just as much as this forward did...

Beautiful and heartfelt speech. They broke the mould when they made Alan, I miss him. God bless Alan xx

Alan Rickman was one of my all time favourite actors. I didn't know him but I miss him. A true artist gives of themself so much that they weave their art and a bit of their heart, into ours. RIP Alan.

Such an amazing tribute - her talent seeps through even here... lovely. There were fantastic together in everything they did. Sense and Sensibility is the absolute favorite for me.

A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man, given by a wonderful woman.

Well.. how extraordinary. Such a superb person.. and Emma his champion. This was so articulate…exactly what he deserved.

Alan Rickman was a talent like no other. He could be serious and funny at the same time. Thank you, Emma, for this beautiful and moving tribute to him. You obviously had a strong bond with him. He will be greatly missed, as he is already.

The one abiding image I have of watching Alan on screen and one any up and coming actor and indeed established actor can take on board from it , is don't rush your lines. Sometimes it is those pregnant pauses that give everything emphasis and meaning, slowing everything down helps you express words and their meaning better. They create atmosphere and an almost cliff edge moment of what will be delivered next. There aren't many better than doing that than how Alan did it. It's so sad that the world, his family and friends lost him so early on in his autumn years. I love that Emma conveys the fact he was an interesting bundle of enigmatic emotions, that you weren't always sure what was coming next, but a man who obviously felt it was so important to help others in the craft of acting and did so, so generously.

I loved his tenderness- he was the best 🥺💔😔

No, we shall not see his like again. Too soon gone, sorely missed always. Thank you for posting Emma Thompson’s lovely, heartfelt tribute.

What a wonderful tribute. We should all be so blessed.

I greatly love both Rickman and Thompson as actors. Together they were magical. Thank you, Emma, for this beautiful tribute.

My God, Emma Thompson! I am 65 and have admired your film work from the very start. But it only grows. You are SO intelligent and articulate -- this is incredible prose! I can't think of anyone who makes intelligence more delightful and engaging. I love that you closed it with the traditional Irish phrase for condolences: "We shall not see his like again" or in Irish Gaelic: "Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís"

This is one of the most wonderfully personal, heartfelt and very informative tributes I’ve ever heard. It really captured the essence of Mr Rickman, and Thompson’s personal feelings for this wonderful soul.

I can`t believe that it has already been 8 years since he left us. How time flies without any noise. Yes, there`s a whisper now and then, but no noise. Then, as if out of the blue, without warning, without mercy, the drums set in and their noise takes your breath away. R.I.P., dear Alan, and thank you for all the joy you brought to our lives.

Imagine having a friend the mission of whom in life is to make you laugh like that. To tickle your soul. We dont all deserve it. We all need it

I’m heartbroken he’s gone, I feel Emma’s deep sadness in every word she’s speaking.

I admire her strength and choice of words in this heartbreaking situation. Love her even more after that. R.I.P. dear Alan Rickman, you are still missed greatly.

so beautifully spoken about a true friend....

lovely and moving tribute to a great actor

Oh Emma, what a wonderful eulogy and remembrance to Alan, just like many other souls on this planet, I too, have had to stand up in front of many and speak about my loved one who has passed. As a care free youth, yeah, you feel indestructible. It's only when you loose someone close to you that you realise how fragile life is.

She’s amazing as it is. What a wonderful tribute. I’m crying and at a loss for better words. RIP dear Alan.

No words could describe better such a great , lovely actor and human being. Thanks to Emma and Rima...He'll be forever missed . It's so beautiful to see his closest friends, and fans still bring his memory in their heart .. as he never passed . ❤️first time I saw his performance in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves ,I was only 11. Now I am 40, and still in love with Alan. His movies are so precious, and all them left such strong messages about his personality. As he said once : " if people really want to know who I am , it's all in my work ". Thank you for sharing 💧❤️🙏🏼

Alan was equally blessed to have you as a friend, Emma

Alan Rickman was my favourite British actor ever since I first saw him in 'Truly, Madly, Deeply'. I fell in love 🥰 His 'Colonel Brandon' was magnificently understated yet superbly powerful.

One thing about Mr. R’s acting which was incredibly great was his stillness and slowness. When an actor engages these adjectives, there is a danger that the performance will fall apart- when Alan engaged them it was illuminating and thrilling. Good night sweet prince. God bless you Emma, you are still the best: in addition to the great actor accolade another can be added to a long list of them that describes you: a loyal and great friend. Perhaps that is one of the best blessings to be in life.

What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute. Alan was one of the greats and is sorely missed as an actor, what a privilege it must have been to be his friend.

I love you Emma for your generous tribute 😢. So miss this giant. Thank you

We loved him through his movies...so we did with you....thank you both for your talent and hard work......

That was arguably one of the most amazing eulogies I have ever heard, from someone who truly knew and loved Alan.

a moving and heartfelt expression from Emma about a magnificently human friend. Alan, you will be missed and cherished.

A tribute only someone who loves him can give. I adored his talent. The world seems more shallow with his passing. Fortunately he's immortal on film for us to relive the moments he portrayed. Whether a villain or angel he was never "just" that. To depth, a journey remembered, thank you Alan Rickman.

I miss him……. Alan’s life force always drew me to him, no matter what the role. Superb, dynamic and sensual.

They were such true friends, the kind that arent afraid to show their true feelings to each other. Beautiful tribute.

I loved all his performances.

Her tribute to her dear friend is quite poignant - Emma’s a gifted writer, but one can tell she wrote this on a far greater level, from her heart of hearts. She regaled the audience with a fascinating close up of the complex yet down to earth Mr Rickman. What a lovely homage for an even lovelier man.

oh Alan! I am so grateful to have seen him on broadway in Seminar. He was so amazing to watch on stage! What a performance- his presence and power on stage was tremendous. RIP still

I´ve admired Alan and I love Emma. So it fit´s perfectly.

I have always loved Ema...and this only makes me love her more...and love and miss Alan all the more...and heart broken only scratches the surface.

This is brillant - I first saw him on Broadway in Les Liasons - and I was dumbstruck by his sheer brilliance

What a great writer! She is brilliant!

Hold on Thompson! So true. So capable to say so. And do it. She is so adorable.

Okay. I'm crying for the loss of this wonderful man. I'm still shocked by his passing. I didn't know he was ill. But that was Alan. I miss you, sir. You gave us so much but still had so much to give. Thank you, Emma, for sharing this with us. Kate Winslet's story about her knickers was a joy to hear as well. Love you always, Alan! ❤

I love the fact that he was after all, sweet. It really makes him perfect!