“A big hero of mine from when I was a teenager”: Not 10 Oscar Nominations, Liam Neeson Felt Denzel Washington Was On Par With His Teenage Idol for His Equalizer Franchise

"A big hero of mine from when I was a teenager": Not 10 Oscar Nominations, Liam Neeson Felt Denzel Washington Was On Par With His Teenage Idol for His Equalizer Franchise
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In the world of Hollywood, where accolades and awards often measure an actor’s success, Liam Neeson’s perspective offers a refreshing insight. Despite his remarkable career and various Oscar nominations, the 71-year-old found himself in awe of another powerhouse, Denzel Washington.

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Liam Neeson
Actor, Liam Neeson

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In particular, Neeson drew parallels between Washington’s portrayal in the Equalizer franchise and his teenage idol, Robert Mitchum.

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Liam Neeson Greatly Admires Denzel Washington

In the captivating land of showbiz, where an artist’s legacy is often defined by their unique blend of talent and charisma, one towering figure emerges prominently: Liam Neeson.

Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson received several accolades

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Yet, beyond the remarkable tapestry of his career, Neeson holds a profound and unwavering admiration for another luminary of the silver screen, Denzel Washington.

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Neeson’s regard for Washington is multifaceted. In the past to his teenage days, he idolized the versatile Robert Mitchum, a sentiment he draws parallels with regarding Washington’s cinematic versatility.

In an enlightening interview with Slashfilm, Neeson delved into his profound affection for The Equalizer series, shedding light on his observations about actors venturing into action-packed roles while also spotlighting those who skillfully intertwines vulnerability into their performances. The actor shared, 

“Robert Mitchum did too. I know he did have a quality that was bordered on vulnerability, that made him a great actor, I think. Mitchum was fantastic, a big hero of mine from when I was a teenager. There was just something about him I liked.”

Denzel Washington
Versatile actor, Denzel Washington

Further, the Taken star added,

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“Who else has got that? Denzel Washington. I mean, Denzel’s a fantastic actor, probably our greatest movie star in this country I think. I’ve seen him on stage. I’ve seen a lot of his films. Love those Equalizer films.” 

Speaking about the 68-year-old, Neeson acknowledged his mastery and noted the subtle touch of vulnerability that distinguishes a great actor.

He also reminisced about Mitchum’s magnetic charm, a personal hero from his youth, and pondered the rarity of such qualities in contemporary stars. 

While Neeson himself has made a deep impact in Hollywood, particularly in the action-thriller genre, he didn’t shy away from expressing his eagerness to collaborate with Washington. 

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Liam Neeson Showed His Eagerness To Collaborate With Denzel Washington

Liam Neeson
Taken star, Liam Neeson

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In the ever-transforming world of Hollywood, two luminaries, Neeson and Washington, shine resplendently. These seasoned actors have carved their legacies deep into the industry, enchanting audiences with their riveting performances.

Yet, what adds an extra layer of intrigue to this narrative is Neeson’s sincere desire to unite his talents with those of Washington in the land of cinema.

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Individually, these two have contributed to some of the most iconic action films of recent decades, in addition to some timeless classics. Neeson’s collection boasts the likes of Taken, Non-Stop, and Batman Begins, while Washington has left an indelible mark with The Equalizer, Safe House, and The Magnificent Seven.

However, Neeson’s eagerness to collaborate with Washington speaks volumes about his profound admiration for the latter’s acting sense. The artist previously shared with the media,

“I’d love to work with Denzel. I see an incredible nuance of someone so comfortable in front of a camera. There’s an intelligence there; there’s an absolute truth.”

He praised Washington’s remarkable comfort in front of the camera, his intelligence, and his unwavering authenticity in every role. This genuine respect underscores the potential for a tantalizing collaboration, one that film enthusiasts can only eagerly anticipate.

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Source: Slash Film

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Written by Muskan Chaudhary

Articles Published: 694

Muskan Chaudhary, Junior Content Writer at Fandom wire. Having completed her degree in Commerce, she has written over 500 articles spanning FandomWire and Animated Times in the pop culture. She is dedicated to bring the latest and informative content from the entertainment world, thus expanding her knowledge in the field. Apart from her contributions to FandamWire, she has a keen interest in video games, sketching and playing tennis.