Liam Neeson
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1952-06-07
    • Born Place: Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
  • Height:

    6′ 4″ (1.93 m)

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson is a renowned Northern Irish actor, celebrated for his commanding presence and versatile performances across a wide range of genres. Born William John Neeson on June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, he initially pursued boxing and later studied physics and computer science at Queen's University Belfast before turning to acting. He began his professional acting career in the mid-1970s, joining the Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast and later the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. His film debut came in 1979 with Christiana, and he gained early recognition with roles in Excalibur (1981), The Bounty (1984), and The Mission (1986). Neeson's breakthrough came with his portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993), earning him an Academy Award nomination. He continued to build a distinguished career with roles in Rob Roy (1995), Michael Collins (1996), and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). In the 2000s, he transitioned into action films, notably starring in Taken (2008), which became a global hit and solidified his status as an action star. Beyond his action roles, Neeson has showcased his range in films like Love Actually (2003), The Grey (2011), and A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014). He has also lent his voice to animated characters in The Chronicles of Narnia series and The LEGO Movie franchise. In 2022, he celebrated his 100th film with the release of Marlowe, a neo-noir detective story. Off-screen, Neeson has been involved in various humanitarian efforts and is known for his philanthropic work. He was married to actress Natasha Richardson until her tragic passing in 2009. Despite his fame, Neeson remains grounded, often reflecting on his journey from a small town in Northern Ireland to international stardom. As of 2025, Neeson continues to be active in the film industry, with upcoming projects including Ice Road: Vengeance and a reboot of The Naked Gun franchise. His enduring career and diverse roles have made him a respected figure in cinema.