Liam Neeson
Actor, philanthropist
Born
June 7, 1952
Birthplace
Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Nationality
Irish
Net Worth
$145 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Schindler's List; Taken trilogy; Batman Begins; Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Kinsey
Liam Neeson Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | William John Neeson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1952 |
| Age | 74 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 1976-present |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Spouse | Married to actress Natasha Richardson (1994-2009) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Net Worth | ~$145 million |
| Known For | Gravitas, commanding voice, late-career action hero roles |
Early Life & Background
Neeson worked as a forklift operator, truck driver, and amateur boxer before studying physics and computer science at Queen's University Belfast. Inspired by a school teacher, he joined Belfast's Lyric Players' Theatre in 1976, launching a stage career that led to London's Royal National Theatre and early films like Excalibur (1981).
Career Journey
Dramatic Acclaim
Neeson earned widespread praise as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993), receiving Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations. He continued with Michael Collins, Les Miserables, Kinsey, and Gangs of New York, showcasing dramatic range. Genre fans know him as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I (1999) and Ra's al Ghul in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (2005).
Action Reinvention
Pierre Morel's Taken (2008) reinvented Neeson as an action star with the instantly memeable "particular set of skills." He led sequels and a string of thrillers (Unknown, Non-Stop, The Commuter, Cold Pursuit), becoming Hollywood's go-to avenger. Simultaneously he tackled comedies like A Million Ways to Die in the West and voice roles (The Lego Movie).
Recent Work
Neeson has balanced action films with dramas such as Silence (2016), Ordinary Love (2019), and Apple TV+'s crime series Charlie Swift (2025). In 2026 he stars in Neil Jordan's gangster film The Ballroom and narrates the PBS documentary Peace Walls about Northern Ireland's reconciliation efforts.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Schindler's List | Oskar Schindler | Academy Award nomination |
| 1995 | Rob Roy | Robert Roy MacGregor | Historical drama |
| 1999 | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Qui-Gon Jinn | Franchise role |
| 2008 | Taken | Bryan Mills | Action reinvention |
| 2011 | Unknown | Dr. Martin Harris | Mystery thriller |
| 2014 | The Lego Movie | Voice of Bad Cop/Good Cop | Animated hit |
| 2016 | Silence | Father Ferreira | Scorsese epic |
| 2019 | Ordinary Love | Tom | Cancer drama |
| 2025 | Charlie Swift (TV) | Charlie Swift | Apple TV+ crime series |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Schindler's List | Nominated |
| 1997 | BAFTA Awards | Best Actor | Michael Collins | Nominated |
| 2004 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Drama | Kinsey | Nominated |
| 2016 | Irish Film & Television Awards | Outstanding Contribution | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$145 million (2026)
Neeson earns from film salaries, residuals from franchises, Broadway engagements (The Crucible), and narration work. He invests in New York real estate and Irish tourism ventures, and he holds partial ownership of the Celtic FC hospitality suite.
Personal Life
Neeson married actress Natasha Richardson in 1994; she died tragically in a 2009 skiing accident. He honors her legacy by supporting their sons Micheal and Daniel in creative careers. Neeson lives in New York and spends summers in County Antrim, maintaining Irish citizenship.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He supports UNICEF, the Irish Arts Center, and anti-poverty initiatives like GOAL. Neeson narrated the documentary Love Thy Nature and joined campaigns advocating for gun safety and refugee resettlement. He also backs UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat drive, a cause Richardson championed.
Social Media Presence
Neeson does not manage personal accounts. Fans receive news via film studios, interviews, and the Irish Arts Center newsletter.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Neeson boxed competitively as a teen, winning regional championships.
- He turned down the role of James Bond in the 1990s.
- Queen Elizabeth II honored him with an OBE in 2000.
- He is a patron of the Cinemagic International Film Festival for young people.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Neeson is filming Neil Jordan's The Ballroom in Dublin, set for a late-2026 release. He will narrate PBS documentary Peace Walls and lend his voice to Ubisoft's video game adaptation of Taken. Neeson is also executive-producing a limited series on Irish poet Seamus Heaney for BBC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Liam Neeson?
Liam Neeson is an Irish actor known for award-winning dramas like Schindler's List and action films such as Taken.
What is Liam Neeson most famous for?
He is most famous for playing Oskar Schindler in Spielberg's classic and reinventing himself as Bryan Mills in the Taken franchise.
Is Liam Neeson active on social media?
No. Neeson maintains privacy and communicates through official interviews and charity announcements.