Liev Schreiber Reveals the Hardest Role He’s Ever Prepared For

Aug 19, 2025

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Liev Schreiber, Tony Award–winning actor known for Ray Donovan, Spotlight, and his unforgettable role as Victor Creed (Sabretooth) in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, sits down for an interview with the man who helped him physically prepare for those roles, Don Saladino.

Don and Liev discuss how their training prepared him for the physical and mental demands of portraying Wolverine’s nemesis, as well as Chuck Wepner—the real-life “Rocky”—whom Liev describes as “a master of taking punishment.” Liev also opens up about how fitness, boxing, and even jiu-jitsu remain vital tools in his career on both stage and screen. From Broadway performances like Glengarry Glen Ross to his Tony Award recognition and acclaimed film work in Spotlight, Schreiber explains how staying strong physically helps him stay sharp mentally.

In this interview, Liev Schreiber reflects on the way he approaches roles that demand intensity and presence. He and Don swap personal stories, including one where Liev managed to pin Don in a jiu-jitsu match, and debate who would theoretically win in a fight—Rocky Balboa or Muhammad Ali.

If you’re a fan of Liev Schreiber’s films, his Broadway work, or even his humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, this conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at his life and career as an actor.

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