Liam Neeson: Actor Voice Actor
Biography
Full Name: Liam John Neeson
Date of Birth: June 7, 1952
Place of Birth: Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Nationality: Northern Irish (also holds American citizenship)
Profession: Actor, Voice Actor
Height: 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
Biography & Wiki
Liam Neeson is a renowned Northern Irish actor celebrated for his commanding presence, deep voice, and versatile performances across drama, action, and historical epics. With a career spanning over four decades, Neeson has become a staple in both dramatic roles and blockbuster thrillers, earning widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Early Life & Education
Liam Neeson was born into a working-class Catholic family in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. His mother, Katherine "Kitty" Brown, was a cook, and his father, Bernard Neeson, was a caretaker at a local primary school. He was named after the local priest.
He began acting in school plays and joined amateur drama clubs during his teenage years. At age 9, he began boxing lessons and became an amateur boxing champion in Ulster.
He studied physics and computer science at Queen's University Belfast, though he didn't complete his degree. He later enrolled in teacher training college in Newcastle, England, but left to pursue acting full-time.
Family
Liam Neeson married actress Natasha Richardson in 1994. The couple had two sons:
Michael Neeson
(b. 1995)
Daniel Neeson (b. 1996)
Tragically, Natasha died in 2009 following a skiing accident. Neeson has remained a widower and continues to raise their sons.
Career
Neeson began his acting career in the late 1970s with the Lyric Players' Theater in Belfast and later moved to Dublin's Abbey Theatre.
His film debut came with Pilgrim's Progress (1978), and he later gained wider recognition with:
Excalibur (1981)
The Bounty (1984)
The Mission (1986)
Dark Man (1990)
His major breakthrough came with Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993), where he portrayed Oskar Schindler. The film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and global acclaim.
He continued to earn leading roles in major films, including:
Michael Collins (1996)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Love Actually (2003)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Chronicles of Narnia (voice of Aslan)
In 2008, Neeson redefined his career with the action-thriller Taken, launching a new phase as an action hero. The franchise was a box office success, and Neeson starred in similar roles in:
Unknown (2011)
The Grey (2012)
Nonstop (2014)
Cold Pursuit (2019)
Net Worth
As of 2024, Liam Neeson's net worth is estimated at $145 million, earned through film, television, and voice acting work. His success in both dramatic and action genres contributed significantly to his financial standing.
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Nominee – Schindler's List
Golden Globe Nominations – Schindler's List, Michael Collins, Kinsey
BAFTA Award Nominee
Irish Film & Television Academy Awards
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) – 2000
Legacy
Liam Neeson is admired for his gravitas, emotional depth, and versatility. From dramatic masterpieces to high-octane thrillers, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
