Liam Neeson may tower over most at 6-foot-4, but according to director Rob Reiner, it just wasn’t enough to play a “giant.”
During a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Neeson, 73, confirmed a long-circulated rumor about his audition for The Princess Bride. While discussing career myths with The Naked Gun co-star Pamela Anderson, the actor recalled meeting with Reiner to potentially play Fezzik—the lovable giant who ultimately became one of André the Giant’s most iconic roles.
“[Reiner] turns to the casting director and said, ‘I asked for a giant! What height are you?’ I said, ‘6 foot 4.’ He goes, ‘Ah, come on,’” Neeson shared, laughing. “That was it—no hello, no thank you.”
Though the brief encounter didn’t lead to a role, Neeson harbored no hard feelings, calling the moment “a little embarrassing” but understandable. At the time, he was still a relative newcomer in Hollywood.
The role of Fezzik went to André René Roussimoff, aka André the Giant, whose immense presence and heart helped turn The Princess Bride into a cult classic.
For Neeson, the moment remains a humorous footnote in a career that went on to be anything but short.
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