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Actor Liam Neeson has appeared in more than 20 Hollywood films, including Schindler's List and the Star Wars prequel, Episode I: The Phantom Menace. But he faced his greatest career challenge on the New York City set of Sesame Street, where he recently worked with two up-and-coming directors: Rubber Duckie and The Count.
Rubber Duckie knows what he wants in a scene — at least in the hands of Ernie, with whom Mr. Neeson shares the spotlight. As Mr. Neeson begins reciting the alphabet, the director takes charge. Squeak! goes Rubber Duckie. "Cut!" yells Ernie. "Rubber Duckie says that's my part!" Mr. Neeson graciously cedes the stage (and the ABCs) to his Muppet co-star and awaits his cue. "Now?" he says eagerly, as Ernie pauses mid-alphabet. Rubbie Duckie had something else in mind for the guest star. Suffice it to say that he who squeezes the director gets the choicest role.
Among those behind the camera that day at the Sesame Street studios were the actor's sons Michael and Daniel. (The flu kept their Mom, actress Natasha Richardson, from joining the boys on the set.) Like most preschoolers, the boys — ages 2 and 3 — are Sesame Street fans. According to Mr. Neeson, their favorite Muppets are Bert, Ernie and The Count (preferences they share with their Dad).
Asked whether he would return for another Sesame Street appearance, Liam Neeson said, "Absolutely, yes." In fact, this is how he summed up the experience: "I feel I've now worked with the great cinematic masters: Spielberg, Lucas, Rubber Duckie, and The Count. My artistic life is complete!"
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