Alan Rickman’s ‘secret journals’ reveal actor’s thoughts on Harry Potter, Snape and his career

Alan Rickman's 'secret journals' are shedding new light on why he continued his role in the Harry Potter movies while battling prostate cancer.

The actor died in January 2016 in London at age 69 after quietly fighting the disease, which he was first diagnosed with in 2005. Shortly after the diagnosis, he "finally" agreed to return to film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in which he famously played Severus Snape.

According to excerpts of Madly Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman, released this weekend by the The Guardian ahead of the book's October release, the star had received treatment and underwent a procedure to have his prostate removed in January 2006.

And in a journal entry dated January 30, 2006, he wrote: "Finally, yes to HP 5. The sensation is neither up nor down. Rickman

"The argument that wins is the one that says: 'See it through. It’s your story.'"

A few months later in April, he suggested that his illness was taking a toll as he has never been less chatty on the set.

"I realise as soon as that [Snape’s] ring and costume go on – something happens. It becomes alien to be chatty, smiley, open.

"The character narrows me down, tightens me up. Not good qualities on a film set. I have never been less communicative with a crew.

"Fortunately, Dan [Radcliffe] fills that role with ease and charm and youth."

A journal entry from July 27, 2007 reveals Rickman's thoughts after reading J.K. Rowling' final Harry Potter book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

"I have finished reading the last Harry Potter book. Snape dies heroically, Potter describes him to his children as one of the bravest men he ever knew and calls his son Albus Severus,' Rickman says.

"This was a genuine rite of passage. One small piece of information from Jo Rowling seven years ago – Snape loved Lily – gave me a cliff edge to hang on to."

He also recalled his first meeting with Rowling in October 2000.

"First conversation with Joanne Rowling. Her sister answers, 'She’s not here – can I leave a message?' [There is] cackling in the background… 'Sorry about that!… '" he wrote.

He also shared his thoughts after watching the first Harry Potter, stating, "The film should only be seen on a big screen.

"It acquires a scale and depth that matches the hideous score by John Williams. Party afterwards at the Savoy is much more fun."