Liam Neeson Remembers Robin Williams as a True Comic Genius

Liam Neeson, known for his intense performances and an Oscar nod for Schindler’s List, has proven time and again that he’s just as comfortable making audiences laugh. His recent turn in the Naked Gun reboot, alongside Pamela Anderson and director Akiva Schaffer, surprised many with its sharp humor and fresh take on the classic. Comedy can be a minefield these days, but Neeson’s deadpan delivery and willingness to poke fun at himself have made him a standout in the genre.

Fans who caught his unforgettable appearance on Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s Life’s Too Short will remember Neeson’s straight-faced delivery in a scene that’s become legendary for its awkward hilarity. His cameo, where he earnestly tries to convince Gervais and Merchant to let him do more comedy, is still talked about as one of the show’s funniest moments. Neeson’s comedic talents have also been showcased in projects produced by Seth MacFarlane, including A Million Ways to Die in the West and Ted 2, as well as his voice work in The Lego Movie.

Robin Williams: A Lasting Influence

When asked about his favorite comedies, Neeson didn’t hesitate to mention the 1993 classic Mrs. Doubtfire, directed by Chris Columbus. He recalled not just the film itself, but the hilarious outtakes that made their way into the credits.

“Mrs. Doubtfire springs to mind. And the outtakes were extraordinary too. And they are part of the movie, too, actually in the credits.”

Neeson also shared a personal memory of Robin Williams, describing a moment that left a lasting impression.

“I once shared a taxi with Robin (Williams) and a few other actors. And he started rapping on some politician. And I remember thinking this is maybe what Shakespeare would have been like. Just this incredible stuff pouring out of his brain and his mouth. He was a genius.”

Connections and Missed Opportunities

Although Neeson and Williams never worked together on screen, their careers were closely intertwined. During the filming of Schindler’s List, director Steven Spielberg often relied on Williams to lift his spirits during the emotionally draining production. There’s also a little-known fact that Neeson was originally considered for the lead in Dead Poets Society, a role that ultimately went to Williams. Reflecting on that, Neeson said,

“Robin was great… That was the right casting. ”

Williams’ performance earned him an Oscar nomination and became one of his most iconic roles.

What’s Next for Neeson

Despite his long career, Neeson shows no signs of slowing down. He’s currently involved in a slew of new projects, including the pandemic thriller Cold Storage with Joe Keery from Stranger Things, a suspenseful film titled Hotel Tehran, and The Mongoose, which features Ving Rhames and Marisa Tomei. The latter, shot in Australia, follows a decorated war hero wrongfully accused of a crime, leading to a high-stakes chase across the country as his former comrades and the public rally behind him.