Actor Rick Moranis was attacked while walking in New York City early Thursday morning. Footage of the attacker was released Friday but he has yet to be identified. In a not-so-surprising turn of events, the internet is more concerned for the health and safety of the actor than the news of the President’s contraction of COVID-19, including big names such as actor Chris Evans.
Actor Rick Moranis identified as victim of random attack on the Upper West Side https://t.co/zImshoat30
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 2, 2020
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis is a Canadian actor best known for his role of Wayne Szalinski in Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. He has also appeared in over 25 television and movie productions, including classics such as Ghostbusters and Spaceballs. Moranis takes full advantage of his quirky nature and comical height to lean into the funny yet loveable characters he opts to play, giving his audience some much needed comic relief. After almost 23 years out of the acting spotlight, he signed on this year to appear in the sequel of Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, entitled “Shrunk.”
His acting career was thriving in the late 80’s and into the 90’s, but he put acting aside to focus on raising his children after his wife passed away. He stated in an interview that he hasn’t officially retired from acting, but after his break he has decided to be more picky with what films he does.
His children are now grown but he has kept busy doing voice acting, writing comedy albums, and dabbling in op-ed writing. Although he doesn’t see what the big deal is, many fans applaud the dedication to his children and deeply respect him for his decision to step away from Hollywood. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, which is why the internet was so distraught when they got wind of his attack on Thursday.
The Attack
On October 1st around 7:30 in the morning, Moranis was attacked unprovoked as he was walking down a block around West 70th Street in Manhattan. Ironically, the attack took place a few blocks away from the apartment building his character from Ghostbusters lived at in the movie. Luckily Moranis was able to take himself to the emergency room, but suffered minor injuries to his head, back and hip. He later reported the incident to the New York Police Department. Police released surveillance videos of the incident in order to get the public’s help identifying the attacker, but did not mention who was attacked due to privacy concerns. The video shows a man wearing a Black “I (heart) NY” hoodie walking calming, punching 67 year old Moranis in the head (although they blurred out the actor in the footage). The surveillance tape shows Moranis fall to the ground after he is punched in the head, as the attacker walked away. Friday afternoon, the police released a clearer image of the man, but there has yet to have been an arrest made.
Breaking Update: Police release photo of the suspect wanted in the random and violent attack on actor Rick Moranis on the Upper West Side. https://t.co/WSNcD41r4f pic.twitter.com/pmcnLigRri
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 2, 2020
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NYPD just released a cash reward for any information on the attacker.
NYPD offering $2,500 reward for info on Rick Moranis attacker https://t.co/Lzsf0fJsPM pic.twitter.com/tg1SfEU8kV
— New York Post (@nypost) October 2, 2020
Internet’s Reaction
America woke up to the news of both Rick Moranis being attacked and President Trump having coronavirus Friday morning. While some decided to rejoice or mourn about Trump’s news, others chose to focus their well wishes and messages of outrage on behalf of the sweet actor.
As we enter this troubling time of confusion and uncertainty I just want to offer my most sincere thoughts and prayers — and hopes for a full, painless recovery — to actor Rick Moranis
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) October 2, 2020
Many messages of well wishes for the actor not-so-subtly poked fun at the fact that they were intentionally not wishing well for the President.
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Waking up to terrible news on twitter this morning. Wishing for a safe and speedy recovery to a very important person. Get well soon, Rick Moranis.
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) October 2, 2020
What a shock to wake up to such important and heartbreaking news. I think it’s fair to say, Americans are praying and steadfast in the wake of this news.
Rick Moranis, our whole country is behind you.
— Lisa Donovan (@ButtermilkRoad) October 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/RobertWelchII2/status/1312087422436401154?s=20
Although some were downright upfront about where their allegiances lie.
Praying for Rick Moranis instead
— luke (@lukeoneil47) October 2, 2020
Trump has Someone hit
COVID. Rick Moranis pic.twitter.com/99TgGXHsMN— Wrestlelamia.co.uk (@wrestlelamia) October 2, 2020
Even actor Chris Evans took to Twitter to express his anger about the unprovoked attack.
https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/1312066397330182146?s=20
Everyone loves Rick Moranis!! How could you not?
Rick Moranis is literally the most harmless person on earth and he gets brutally punched in the head by some thug in New York City. Thanks for keeping the streets safe for criminals, De Blasio.
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) October 2, 2020
The internet is just about ready to go to war for Moranis!
Rick Moranis: *gets punched*
The internet: pic.twitter.com/YI9NNnF9mb
— BroBible (@BroBible) October 2, 2020
Rick Moranis is a sweet Canadian who left a thriving career in Hollywood after his wife died to raise his children. Anyone who would sucker punch him is seriously messed up. Turn yourself in, man.
— Meanwhile in Canada (@MeanwhileinCana) October 2, 2020
It’s honestly getting kind of intense. All that pent up energy from staying inside and dealing with the consequences of COVID is clearly getting to some of us.
https://twitter.com/michcoll/status/1312052566117830656?s=20
A majority of those on Twitter don’t even know Moranis personally, but his kind demeanor and funny roles have the whole internet sympathizing for him and wishing him well.
Glad to read Rick Moranis is doing ok. I don't know the guy but he's made me laugh a bunch from SCTV onward. Peace.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) October 2, 2020
Some people may question the amount of concern they have for the actor in comparison to the health of our President. But not that much.
https://twitter.com/elonjames/status/1312069226744733696?s=20
Rick Moranis’ genuine and kind-hearted reputation has the whole internet supporting him right now. This ironically timed incident has fans and random strangers alike in an uproar, intentionally avoiding wishing the President well on social media. Everyone is hoping for the actor’s speedy recovery and that his attacker is held responsible for his actions.
