Throughout his nearly 50-year journey, Liam Neeson has taken on many roles: a Jedi Master, a kind-hearted humanitarian, a charming widower, and a fierce father in the Taken series. This role turned him into an iconic action star.
Recently, at 72 years old and unsure if he can convincingly throw a punch anymore, Neeson mentioned that he’s thinking about retirement since “it has to stop at some stage.”
Keep reading to discover more about this news that might break the hearts of Neeson’s fans.
Liam Neeson is a well-known Irish actor recognized for his diverse roles in various genres—from serious dramas to thrilling action films. He gained fame in the early ’90s with his role as Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, which brought him worldwide attention and several award nominations.
In the following ten years, this Oscar-nominated actor starred in numerous films ranging from romantic leads to playing a Jedi Master in Star Wars, one of the largest franchises ever.
Then came Taken (2008), where leaning on his “very specific set of skills,” Neeson became an action star—a surprising but successful shift for his career.
The transition into high-energy thrillers caught many off guard. At 56 years old, he found new life as an action hero—showing off his versatility and lasting appeal across different types of movies.
Taken was hugely popular; audiences connected with his character Bryan Mills—a retired CIA agent on a mission to save his kidnapped daughter.
“It just seemed to have touched something deep within moviegoers,” says the father of two during an October 2024 interview with People.
His tough portrayal of a determined dad made him an unexpected yet powerful action hero. The film’s famous phone scene where Mills delivers that unforgettable threat became iconic in modern cinema.
The success not only secured Neeson’s status as an older action star but also led to two sequels and similar roles afterward.
“When he gets into character you see all the hurt and pain,” says Hans Petter Moland who directed him in Cold Pursuit(2019) and will work with him again on Thug. “He becomes that man.”
Despite thriving in these films & directors believing strongly in Neeson’s ability to fight onscreen, he recently shared plans for retirement from this genre due to age concerns.
“I’m 72; it has gotto stop at some point,” states Neeson while still wanting to do most stunts himself thanks partly due collaboration with long-time stunt coordinator Mark Vanselow. Their teamwork began with Taken, becoming essential for Neeson’s later-action roles. Vanselow not only designs intense fight scenes but also makes sure that even though he’s older now; safety is key while performing stunts!
“You can’t trick audiences! I don’t want Mark doing my fight scenes!” added Liam firmly
Neeson then wrapped up by saying: “Maybe by next year I’ll be done.”
However! It seems like he’s gearing up for another change—this time aiming towards comedy!
He just finished filming The Naked Gun, which is based on the classic crime spoof comedy from 1988 featuring Leslie Nielson who sadly passed away
In this upcoming film set for releasein theaters by 2025,Neeson plays cop Frank Drebin – originally portrayed by Nielson – alongside Pamela Anderson from Baywatch fame!
“I’m crazy about her! I can’t praise her enough; she’s hilarious!” said Liam while admitting uncertainty about how funny he’ll be himself. “Whether I can pull it off or not? Honestly no idea!”
Anderson told People her co-star is being modest: “It was tough keeping straight faces during our scenes together.”
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