The morning we learned of Alan Rickman’s passing was filled with a profound sadness. It felt too heavy to immediately put our grief into words. Alan Rickman, celebrated globally for his acting and directing prowess across stage and screen, held a deeply personal significance for our family. It was through his dedicated work, alongside Katharine Viner, now editor-in-chief of the Guardian, that our daughter Rachel’s words were transformed into the powerful play, My Name is Rachel Corrie. The meticulous care Alan poured into our family, his unwavering courage in embracing this sensitive project, and above all, the profound respect he demonstrated for Rachel and her writings, remain etched in our memories as truly exceptional. This dedication, in itself, feels like an invaluable gift for a daughter and her enduring legacy.
[My Name is Rachel Corrie, Royal Court, London
Read more](http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/apr/14/theatre.politicaltheatre)
Imagine an artist of Alan Rickman’s caliber, influence, and vast experience willingly stepping into the delicate space between a family freshly grieving, the complexities of the Israel/Palestine conflict, and a young woman’s deeply personal emails and journal entries. Voluntarily. Before Alan undertook this endeavor, the very notion seemed unimaginable. As My Name is Rachel Corrie‘s initial run in New York drew to a close in late 2006, I expressed to Alan, “You know, you were working without a safety net. There was a very real possibility that regardless of your interpretation of Rachel’s writing, our family might not have been emotionally prepared to accept it.”
The opening night of My Name is Rachel Corrie featuring (from left) Katharine Viner, actress Megan Dodds, and Alan Rickman. This image captures the collaborative spirit and dedication Alan Rickman brought to the project, a true gift to Rachel’s memory. Photograph: Rob Loud/Getty Images
His response was simple yet profound: “If it doesn’t involve risk, it’s not worth pursuing.” This philosophy encapsulates the essence of Alan’s commitment – he gave wholeheartedly, offering the most valuable gift of all: himself. Even while immersed in filming during the 2005 Royal Court Theatre productions of My Name is Rachel Corrie, Alan skillfully directed not only the play but also our family’s inaugural visits to London to witness it. While the welcoming team at the Royal Court were exceptionally hospitable, there were subtle yet distinct “Alan touches” that elevated our experience. A thoughtfully chosen lunch, tickets to another captivating play – we were consistently met with extraordinary kindness and consideration. The experience could have easily been overwhelming, but Alan’s presence ensured it was a cherished memory.
[Alan Rickman: the most loyal, playful and generous of friends | Katharine Viner
Read more](http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2016/jan/14/alan-rickman-the-most-loyal-playful-and-generous-of-friends)
When David Johnson brought the play to the Playhouse Theatre in the West End in the spring of 2006, Alan was in London. He and his partner, Rima, graciously met our evening flight, providing a car that whisked us not to our hotel, but across the Thames. We strolled along the river’s edge for a while before turning onto the Golden Jubilee Bridge, heading downstream towards Embankment and the Playhouse. Midway across the bridge, Rima exclaimed, “Alan, we’re on the wrong side!”
It turned out Alan had orchestrated this detour so that our first glimpse of the West End marquee would be perfectly framed, illuminated and reflected in the Thames’ waters. However, from our chosen path, the marquee lights remained hidden behind the Hungerford Bridge until the very last moment. Among our group, Alan seemed the most genuinely disappointed by this slightly miscalculated reveal, yet he good-naturedly accepted the gentle teasing that followed. This anecdote perfectly illustrates Alan’s meticulous attention to detail and his desire to create meaningful and memorable moments, a further gift of his personality.
‘Although they never met in person, Alan was a great friend to Rachel.’ This image of Rachel Corrie reminds us of the young woman whose words and spirit were honored by Alan Rickman’s work, a powerful and lasting gift to her memory. Photograph: Holger Bennewitz/Reuters
Although Alan and Rachel never met in person, he became a profound friend to her legacy. I recall after the play’s New York season at the Minetta Lane Theatre, Alan gently conveying the undeniable truth that after two intense years of editing and directing My Name is Rachel Corrie, it was time for him to transition to other artistic endeavors. He assured me, “It’s clear the play has ‘legs’.”
“Wings” would be a more apt description. My Name is Rachel Corrie has since journeyed to every continent except Antarctica and has been translated into over a dozen languages. Cindy and I have lost count of the numerous times we’ve witnessed it – but we have gained countless “foster daughters” in the actresses who have embodied Rachel’s role.
Alan Rickman’s most memorable roles Guardian
However, the extensive recognition of her writing is not the most significant gift derived for our daughter. To many, Rachel had become an icon, a figure sometimes perceived as larger than life, but in reality, perhaps diminished by that very label. Icons can be two-dimensional, lacking depth and nuance. When Alan and Katharine Viner meticulously crafted My Name is Rachel Corrie from Rachel’s own words, and when Alan skillfully guided it through those initial theatre productions, they achieved something extraordinary. They captured Rachel’s vibrant energy, her characteristic humor, and her remarkable capacity for self-reflection, alongside her passionate engagement with the world around her. For those who never had the privilege of knowing Rachel personally, the play served as a profound gift, restoring her full humanity – a truly remarkable accomplishment.
Alan Rickman was, and continues to be, deeply cherished and appreciated by Rachel’s entire family. His dedication and artistry remain a lasting gift, and he will be profoundly missed.
