Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson OBE
Neeson in 2008
Born	William John Neeson (1952-06-07) 7 June 1952 Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1976–present
Spouse	Natasha Richardson ​ ​ (m. 1994; died 2009)​
Partner	Helen Mirren (1980–1985)
Children	2, including Micheál Richardson

Biography

Liam Neeson is a Northern Irish actor known for his commanding presence, deep voice, and emotional depth across a wide range of roles. He was born William John Neeson on June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Raised in a Catholic family, he initially pursued boxing and later studied physics and computer science before turning to acting.

Neeson's early career began on the stage, particularly with the Lyric Players’ Theatre in Belfast and later the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. He transitioned to film in the late 1970s, with his breakout role coming in Excalibur (1981). Over the next decade, he appeared in various supporting roles, building a reputation for his intensity and screen presence.

His international breakthrough came in 1993 when he starred as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. The performance earned him Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations, cementing his status as a leading actor. He continued to show his range in films like Michael Collins (1996), Rob Roy (1995), and Kinsey (2004).

In the 2000s, Neeson found renewed success as an action star, most notably in Taken (2008), where his role as a vengeful father introduced him to a new generation of fans and spawned a trilogy. He also appeared in major franchises such as Star Wars (The Phantom Menace), Batman Begins, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Off-screen, Neeson experienced personal tragedy when his wife, actress Natasha Richardson, died in 2009 following a skiing accident. He has since focused on raising their two sons and continued working steadily.

With a career spanning over four decades, Liam Neeson remains one of the most respected and versatile actors in Hollywood, known for blending gravitas, vulnerability, and quiet strength in every performance.

Music (likes)

Two Paddock's Top Ten Tunes (2014)

• Danny Boy - Eva Cassidy
• Hyndford Street - Van Morrison
• Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
• The Wall (any song) - Pink Floyd (David Gilmour, Roger Waters)
• Paris, Texas (opening theme) - Ry Cooder
• Astral Weeks (any song) - Van Morrison
• Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
• Greensleeves - Vaughan Williams
• Requiem - Mozart
• The Mission (opening theme) - Ennio Morricone