Kevin Whately Remembers Working with Alan Rickman and His Breakthrough in Truly Madly Deeply

In this letter to The Guardian, actor Kevin Whately shares his personal recollections of working with the late Alan Rickman in the early 1980s. Whately played Rickman’s gay lover in Dusty Hughes’ play Bad Language, staged at Hampstead Theatre. He describes Rickman as one of the kindest, most perceptive, and intelligent actors he has ever collaborated with, despite not sharing the same physical attraction expressed by some female fans in earlier correspondence. Whately humorously notes his own lack of romantic interest compared to others. Following their collaboration, Whately was called in by casting staff at Anglia TV, where instead of being considered for a role, the team spent significant time praising Rickman’s talent while expressing frustration over difficulty in finding suitable parts for him. It was ultimately director Anthony Minghella who provided Rickman with his major breakthrough by casting him as the romantic lead in the film Truly Madly Deeply, which launched his successful screen career. The letter serves as a tribute to Rickman’s character and professional qualities, reflecting on his journey from stage work to wider recognition in film, especially poignant around the anniversary of his passing.