As Galaxy Quest celebrated its 25th anniversary on Christmas Day, Justin Long looked back with gratitude on his first big-screen experience, sharing heartfelt memories of working alongside the late Alan Rickman.

Released in 1999, Galaxy Quest is a beloved sci-fi comedy that parodies the world of fandom and space adventure shows like Star Trek. Directed by Dean Parisot, the film follows a group of washed-up actors from a cult-favorite sci-fi series who are mistakenly recruited by real aliens to save their planet. The ensemble cast included Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Rickman, whose character Dr. Lazarus was a fan-favorite standout.

For Long, then a young actor making his film debut, the experience of working with such seasoned stars was transformative. In a social media post marking the milestone anniversary, he shared throwback photos from the set, including a candid snapshot of himself with Rickman and co-star Jeremy Howard.

“This was taken at a party that Alan threw for everyone in the cast and crew,” Long wrote, highlighting Rickman’s generous spirit.

He admitted he initially had a different impression of Rickman, based on the actor’s iconic performances as villains in Die Hard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. “My experience with him as a person was the exact opposite of that,” Long shared. “He was so kind, generous, and yes, dry (VERY dry) but in such a playful spirited way.”

Rickman, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 69, left a lasting impact on Long. “I think about Alan often, and when I look back on that experience a quarter century later, one of the greatest gifts that came from it was getting to know and work with an actor like Alan,” Long wrote. He also praised his co-star Sam Rockwell, calling them both rare talents.

Long’s memories of Galaxy Quest underscore why the film has endured as a cult classic. Its sharp humor, heartfelt story, and standout performances have continued to resonate with fans, while its behind-the-scenes camaraderie clearly left a mark on its cast. For Long, the experience wasn’t just a career launchpad but also a personal journey enriched by the kindness and generosity of one of cinema’s most celebrated actors.