"It's so insulting": Liam Neeson opens up about why he refuses to work with chronically late actors

Liam Neeson is making it clear: when it comes to working on set, punctuality is non-negotiable.

In his latest Rolling Stone interview, published on August 4, the Taken star spoke candidly about the kind of work ethic he values in fellow actors.

“I hear disturbing stories about actors and actresses who are very gifted, but show up on the set two, three, four hours late. I would never work with those people. I think it’s so insulting.”

He emphasized the impact lateness has beyond just the talent:

“Punctuality is very, very important, I think. Because you have a crew of like 60, 70, 80 people waiting for you. The very least you can do is give them the respect by turning up on time.”

The conversation came up when Liam Neeson was asked about his own “particular set of skills,” a nod to his famous line from his box-office film Taken. Reflecting on his decades-long career, he said:

“Certainly with acting, you’re always questing. You know what I mean? I never feel I’ve done it. There’s always stuff to learn… I just try to be real. And show up on time. That’s very important.”

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"She's outstanding": Liam Neeson praises

The Naked Gun co-star and rumored partner Pamela Anderson

Currently starring in the reboot of The Naked Gun, Liam Neeson had nothing but praise for his co-stars, especially Pamela Anderson.

“In The Naked Gun, I was surrounded by terrific actors and actresses, especially Pamela Anderson. She’s outstanding in the film — she’s s*xy, funny and just great to work with.”

That admiration for the Baywatch alum isn’t new. In his 2024 cover story with People, the Absolution actor gushed:

“With Pamela, first off, I’m madly in love with her. She’s just terrific to work with.”

He went on:

“I can't compliment her enough, I’ll be honest with you. 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.”

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson recently set the online world and headlines abuzz after an insider confirmed their budding romance.

"It's a budding romance in the early stages. It's sincere, and it's clear they're smitten with each other."

Both the couple's families reportedly also seemed to support their relationship.

Meanwhile, in The Naked Gun, Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin, Jr., the son of the iconic Police Squad detective played by Leslie Nielsen in the original 1988 film.

Pamela Anderson stars as femme fatale Beth Davenport.

The Naked Gun is now in theaters.