Liam Neeson, the celebrated actor known for his commanding performances in action films, recently made waves by admitting his admiration for Pamela Anderson. Describing the Baywatch star as “terrific” during an interview, Neeson confessed he’s “madly in love” with her. Now, Anderson has responded to his heartfelt remarks, shedding light on their professional and personal camaraderie.
The revelation comes as the two actors share the screen in the much-anticipated reboot of The Naked Gun. Neeson takes on the role of Frank Drebin Jr., a nod to Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character from the original franchise. Meanwhile, Anderson, renowned for her glamour and sharp wit, steps into the role of a femme fatale, a character perfectly tailored to her magnetic screen presence.
Liam Neeson’s Transition to Comedy
For fans accustomed to seeing Neeson in intense, action-packed roles, his venture into comedy marks a significant career shift. The actor himself admitted some trepidation about tackling a comedic role, saying, “Whether I can carry it or not, I honestly don’t know.” Yet, the opportunity to be part of the reboot was too compelling to pass up, thanks in part to producer Seth MacFarlane, who encouraged him to take on the challenge.
MacFarlane, who worked with Neeson on A Million Ways to Die in the West, played a pivotal role in bringing him on board for The Naked Gun. Reflecting on the offer, Neeson shared, “Seth approached me and said, ‘They’re going to reboot it—would you be interested?’ I thought, ‘Yeah, I would actually.’”
This shift in genres comes as Neeson approaches his self-imposed retirement from action films, slated for 2025. However, fans will still have the chance to see him in one last gritty role in Absolution, set to release on November 1. In the film, Neeson portrays a former boxer grappling with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) while striving to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Even in this deeply personal story, his character faces off against formidable adversaries, delivering one final dose of Neeson’s signature intensity.
A Dynamic Partnership on Set
On the set of The Naked Gun, Neeson and Anderson struck up a unique and dynamic rapport. Despite their seemingly contrasting backgrounds—Neeson as a dramatic powerhouse and Anderson as a pop culture icon—their collaboration brought plenty of laughs and mutual respect.
Speaking about Anderson, Neeson gushed, “With Pamela, first off, I’m madly in love with her. She’s just terrific to work with.” He praised her humility, humor, and professionalism, adding, “No huge ego. She just comes in to do the work. She’s funny and so easy to work with. She’s going to be terrific in the film.”
For her part, Anderson was equally effusive in her praise. Reflecting on their time working together, she revealed, “It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together.” The actress, who also authored the memoir Love, Pamela, described Neeson as “humble” and “the perfect gentleman.”
She shared a particularly touching anecdote, recounting how Neeson wrapped his coat around her shoulders to keep her warm on set. “He sincerely looked after me,” Anderson said, calling the experience of working with him an “absolute honor.”
Pamela Anderson’s Sweet Gesture
Anderson’s admiration for Neeson extended beyond words. As a token of gratitude, she baked homemade bread and cookies for her co-star, leaving the treats in his dressing room. This simple but heartfelt gesture underscored the genuine friendship they developed during filming.
Anderson also highlighted Neeson’s comedic talent, noting that his transition into the genre was seamless. “He brought respect, kindness, and depth of experience to every moment,” she said, emphasizing his ability to balance humor with sincerity.
Liam Neeson: A Champion of Fairness
Neeson’s regard for Anderson is consistent with his long-standing advocacy for fairness in the entertainment industry. The actor has previously spoken out against gender-based wage disparities, calling Hollywood’s pay gap “f***ing disgraceful” in a 2018 interview. While he admitted he wouldn’t take a pay cut to rectify the issue, his stance underscores his commitment to equity in the industry.
This blend of respect and advocacy has cemented Neeson’s reputation as a gentleman both on and off-screen. His partnership with Anderson in The Naked Gun not only showcases their chemistry but also highlights his willingness to embrace new challenges and collaborations as he transitions into a new phase of his career.
A Mutual Respect
While Liam Neeson’s confession of being “madly in love” with Pamela Anderson might have been unexpected, it’s clear that the sentiment is rooted in genuine admiration. Their shared experience on the set of The Naked Gun appears to have left a lasting impression on both actors, paving the way for a professional relationship built on mutual respect and camaraderie.
With the film’s release on the horizon, audiences eagerly await the chance to see this unlikely duo bring their charm and humor to the screen. For Neeson and Anderson, their collaboration stands as a testament to the magic that can happen when two talented individuals come together, united by their craft and a shared sense of admiration.