Liam Neeson Compares Late Comedy Legend to Shakespeare: ‘He’s a Genius’ originally appeared on Parade.
Liam Neeson recalls a touching encounter with the late actor Robin Williams that left a lasting impact on him.
During an interview with The Naked Gun co-star Pamela Anderson, the pair spoke about their favorite comedy films.
For the 58-year-old actress, she mentioned The Jerk, starring Steve Martin and the 1980 film Nine to Five, adding that anything with Lily Tomlin in it she liked.
As for the Oscar-nominated actor, he named Peter Sellers’ The Pink Panther as one of his favorites, followed by the award-winning film Mrs. Doubtfire starring Williams.
“Mrs. Doubtfire springs to mind,” he said, adding, “And the outtakes were extraordinary too. And they are part of the movie, too, actually in the credits.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Letterboxd (@letterboxd)
After explaining what made him love the comedy movie, he candidly revealed an interesting story he had with the late actor.
Neeson praised the Academy winner for his charm and wit and even compared him to the legendary playwright.
“I once shared a taxi with Robin and a few other actors,” the actor recalled, as Anderson listened intently. “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.”
The Irish actor and Williams never starred in a movie together, but he was also almost cast in an iconic role portrayed by the comedian.
Neeson was reportedly the first choice to play John Keating from Dead Poets Society, but he had to turn it down.
“A wonderful film, I loved the script, and that Robin Williams played God, rest him, was Dead Poet’s Society,” he told IndieWire, adding, “I loved that script. Loved it. Robin was great. He was. That was the right casting.”
The Jumanji star passed away in 2014 at the age of 63 after he took his own life.
Following his tragic death, his widow, Susan Williams, revealed that he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) and suspected that it was the reason behind his suicide and not depression.
Related: Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson’s Amazing Chemistry on Full Display in Germany
Liam Neeson Compares Late Comedy Legend to Shakespeare: ‘He’s a Genius’ first appeared on Parade on Jul 31, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
