Liam Neeson’s worst experience on a TV show: “It’s just a bit embarrassing”
Liam Neeson might not be as vengeful as his on-screen characters, but it’s probably best to avoid getting on his bad side. The mere thought of that husky voice being tinged with irritation is enough to send shivers down the spine, no matter what offence you committed.
Over the years, the actor has kept a relatively low profile, choosing to keep his personal life private instead of chasing down the paparazzi for a quick hit of publicity. His public persona is that of a quiet, thoughtful, slightly imposing thespian whose magnetic presence is less about megawatt charisma on talk shows than it is about searing performances in a wide range of movies. When he has appeared on talk shows, the results have usually been polite and low-key, with one unfortunate exception.
Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2023 for the release of his film Marlowe, Neeson recalled an excruciating ordeal he’d recently had on the US daytime show, The View. The show has been on the air since 1997 and features a panel of female hosts discussing current events and interviewing celebrities. Comedian Joy Behar has been on the roster since the beginning, while Whoopi Goldberg has been a permanent co-host since 2007.
During his brief appearance on the show, Neeson was teased mercilessly about Behar’s long-standing crush on him. Visibly uncomfortable with the conversation, he avoids looking at Behar, who is seated next to him. The producers even ran a highlight reel of all the times Behar had name-checked him in past shows, including the moment she said she wanted her ashes sprinkled over him. It’s an awkward exchange, and Neeson is clearly embarrassed and ill at ease throughout.
During his interview with Rolling Stone, he recalled being in his dressing room before his segment started and watching the hosts discuss current events. “I thought, oh, this will be great,” he said, “They’re talking about gun violence in America, and I agree that it’s an American problem.” During the commercial break, he went on stage and congratulated the hosts on their nuanced conversation, but as soon as the cameras started rolling, things took a sharp turn.
“It’s just all this BS with Joy and Liam Neeson and having a crush,” he remembered, “And I’ve known Whoopi for years and Joy a little bit, but I just wasn’t impressed. I’m uncomfortable in those situations, you know?”
Making matters even more disappointing, he remembered talking to one of the hosts, Sunny Hostin, after the show. Hostin is a prosecutor, and Neeson recalled having a “good, intelligent” conversation with her. He couldn’t understand why, given the obvious intellectual seriousness of the people involved, his segment had to be so shallow and childish. “It’s just a bit embarrassing,” he concluded.
Anyone who’s watched a celebrity on daytime television will know that the medium isn’t exactly on par with a Parisian salon during the Enlightenment or even a standard nightly news show. Many actors are willing to play the game for the sake of exposure, awkwardly dancing to the opening music and telling exaggerated anecdotes for the sake of whatever film they’re promoting. But when you’re Liam Neeson, why bother? The actor has bigger fish to fry at this point, and whoever was in charge of his PR has hopefully learned that lesson.
