Natasha gave him an ultimatum in the ’90s.
Irish actor Liam Neeson spoke about his late wife Natasha Richardson during a recent appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
The actor spoke about Natasha’s reaction to rumours that he could be the next James Bond in the ’90s.
One of the James Bond producers approached Neeson after his appearance in Schindler’s List (1993). The two discussed the possibility of him playing the super spy in the upcoming films.
Natasha, however, had strong feelings on the matter.
“I know they were looking at various actors and I, apparently, was one of them,” the Taken actor said. “However, my dear departed wife did say to me – we were doing a movie together South Carolina – and she says, ‘Darling, if you’re offered James Bond and you’re going to play it, you’re not gonna marry me.'”
He added that the idea of him playing 007 became a private joke, and he would imitate the spy whenever they’d have an argument.
This isn’t, however, the first time Neeson’s spoken about Natasha’s objection to the casting. Several years ago, Liam told Men’s Journal that she feared he would “ruin” his career if he got the part.
“It’s understandable,” the actor said. “But it’s no big deal.”
Neeson married Richardson in 1994, and the couple were together until her tragic death in 2009. They met when they performed together in Anna Chrsitie, a Broadway show.
Richardson passed away after suffering a severe head injury in a skiing accident in North Montreal. She was just 45 years old.
Neeson has two sons from his marriage with Natasha, one of whom, Micheál, is an actor.
Micheál was actually christened Micheál Neeson, but changed his last name to Richardson to honour his late mother in 2018.
The father and son are set to appear on film together in Made in Italy, which follows a family after the loss of their matriarch.
