Liam Neeson Reflects on Robin Williams’ Comic Brilliance
Liam Neeson shares his admiration for Robin Williams, recalling their encounters and discussing his own comedic ventures and forthcoming films.
Known for his gravitas and a string of intense roles, Liam Neeson has nonetheless demonstrated a remarkable flair for comedy. This year’s much-talked-about reboot of Naked Gun saw Neeson, alongside Pamela Anderson and director Akiva Schaffer, breathe new life into the Leslie Nielsen classic. The result was a surprisingly well-received update, deftly sidestepping the pitfalls that often beset modern comedies. Those familiar with Neeson’s appearance on Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s Life’s Too Short will recall his deadpan delivery in a now-iconic scene, where he earnestly attempts to convince the others of his comedic potential, only to be met with awkward silence. His straight-faced approach, particularly in the infamous ‘I have full blown AIDS’ sketch, remains one of the show’s standout moments.
Comic Roles and Collaborations
Neeson’s comedic credentials extend beyond television. Seth McFarlane, creator of Family Guy, cast him in A Million Ways to Die in the West and later in Ted 2, both of which allowed Neeson to showcase his lighter side. He also lent his distinctive voice to The Lego Movie, further proving his versatility. It’s clear that, despite his reputation for serious roles, Neeson is more than capable of delivering laughs when the occasion calls for it.
Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that one of his favourite comedies is the 1993 Chris Columbus classic, Mrs. Doubtfire. Neeson told Letterboxd,
“Mrs. Doubtfire springs to mind. And the outtakes were extraordinary too. And they are part of the movie, too, actually in the credits.”
Memories of Robin Williams
Reflecting on his encounters with Robin Williams, Neeson shared a particularly vivid memory:
“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.”
Although the two never worked together, their careers were closely intertwined. During the filming of Schindler’s List, Neeson found the experience so emotionally taxing that he would often rely on Williams to lift his spirits with a phone call. There’s a further connection: the lead role in Dead Poets Society, one of Williams’ most celebrated performances, was initially offered to Neeson. He turned it down, later remarking,
“Robin was great… That was the right casting”.
Williams went on to earn an Oscar nomination for the role, cementing his place in cinematic history.
Looking Ahead
Neeson shows no sign of slowing down, with a packed slate of projects in various stages of production. Among them is Cold Storage, a pandemic thriller featuring Joe Keery of Stranger Things fame. He’s also set to appear in Hotel Tehran, a suspenseful drama, and The Mongoose, which stars Ving Rhames and Marisa Tomei. The latter, filmed in Australia, centres on a decorated war hero wrongfully accused of a crime, sparking a nationwide pursuit as both his former comrades and the public rally behind him.