Throughout nearly 50 years in Hollywood, Liam Neeson has taken on many iconic roles, from a Jedi Master to a compassionate man in tough times, a charming widower, and a fierce father in the Taken series that cemented him as a beloved action star.
Now, at 72, Neeson has admitted he’s uncertain if he can still throw punches like he once did and is considering retirement, saying, “It has to end at some point.”
Read on to find out more about this announcement that may break his fans' hearts!
Liam Neeson is a renowned Irish actor celebrated for his versatility in portraying a wide range of characters. From intense dramas to thrilling action films, he has proven his skill across genres. Neeson first rose to fame in the early '90s when his portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List gained him widespread recognition and multiple award nominations.
Over the next decade, the Oscar-nominated actor expanded his repertoire, appearing in everything from romantic roles to playing a Jedi Master in Star Wars, one of the most famous franchises of all time.
Then, in 2008, Neeson redefined himself as an action star with Taken, showcasing his “very special set of skills.” This bold move marked a new phase in his career and became a major success.
Fans of Love Actually were pleasantly surprised to see Neeson transition into high-energy thrillers. At 56, he discovered a new niche as an action lead, proving he could adapt and resonate with audiences across different film genres.
Taken became a massive hit, and Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent determined to save his kidnapped daughter, struck a deep chord with viewers.
“It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences,” he told People in an October 2024 interview.
Neeson’s intense and determined role as a protective father transformed him into an unlikely yet compelling action hero. One of the film’s most iconic moments—Mills' chilling phone threat—left a lasting impact on the action genre.
The movie’s success not only made Neeson a go-to name in action cinema but also led to two successful sequels and more action roles.
Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and the upcoming Thug, noted, “When he’s deeply in character, you can see the hurt and pain. He really becomes that person.”
Despite his success in action films and directors’ trust in his ability to deliver intense performances, Neeson recently announced he’s considering stepping back from action roles due to his age.
At 72, he feels it may be time to ease up, though he still insists on doing many of his own stunts. His close work with longtime stunt coordinator and double, Mark Vanselow, who has been with him since Taken, has been key to his action sequences. Vanselow not only designs the fight scenes and stunts but also ensures Neeson can safely perform as much of the action as possible, even at his age.
“You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be doing my fight scenes,” Neeson added.
The Oscar-nominated star concluded, “Maybe by the end of next year. I think that’s it.”
However, it seems he’s ready to tackle a different genre: comedy.
Neeson just finished filming The Naked Gun, a remake of the 1988 comedic crime classic originally starring the late Leslie Nielsen.
In the film, set for release in 2025, Neeson plays the iconic detective Frank Drebin—formerly played by Nielsen—alongside Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
“I’m totally smitten with her. I can’t say enough good things. She’s incredibly funny,” Neeson shared, though he’s uncertain about his own comedic chops, admitting, “I really don’t know if I can pull it off.”
Anderson, however, told People that Neeson is simply being humble. “It was hard to keep a straight face during our scenes together.”
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