Advertisement

Emma Thompson explains skipping 'Love Actually' reunion

The actress played Karen, the wife of late actor Alan Rickman's character, Harry, in the 2003 movie.

By Annie Martin
Emma Thompson at the Empire Awards on March 30, 2014. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI
1 of 3 | Emma Thompson at the Empire Awards on March 30, 2014. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo

Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Emma Thompson has a heartbreaking reason for skipping the Love Actually reunion.

The 57-year-old British actress said in an interview with the Press Association that she didn't join her co-stars in a mini-sequel for Red Nose Day because of Alan Rickman's death.

Advertisement

"[Director] Richard [Curtis] wrote to me and said, 'Darling, we can't write anything for you because of Alan,' and I said, 'No of course, it would be sad, too sad,'" Thompson shared.

"It's too soon," she explained. "It's absolutely right because it's supposed to be for Comic Relief but there isn't much comic relief in the loss of our dear friend really only just over a year ago."

"We thought and thought, but it just seemed wrong," the star added. "It was absolutely the right decision."

Thompson played Karen, the wife of Rickman's character, Harry, in the 2003 movie. She penned an emotional tribute to Rickman after the Die Hard and Harry Potter actor died at age 69 in January 2016.

"What I remember most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humor, intelligence, wisdom, and kindness. His capacity to fell you with a look or lift you with a word," the actress wrote at the time.

Advertisement

"He was the finest of actors and directors," she added. "I couldn't wait to see what he was going to do with his face next. I consider myself hugely privileged to have worked with him so many times and to have been directed by him."

Comic Relief had announced this month that several Love Actually stars would reunite for a Red Nose Day short. Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Colin Firth, who played David, Juliet and Jamie, are expected to take part.

Latest Headlines