Over nearly five decades in Hollywood, Liam Neeson has played some of the screen’s most memorable characters—from a wise Jedi Master to a compassionate hero in dark times, a grieving widower, and, most famously, a relentless father in Taken that propelled him to action stardom.
Now, at 72, Neeson is contemplating retirement from action films, admitting he’s unsure if he can keep up with the intense physical demands. “It has to end at some point,” he shared, hinting that his days of throwing punches may be winding down.
Liam Neeson’s illustrious career has spanned a variety of genres, highlighting his versatility. The Irish actor first rose to fame in the early 1990s with his acclaimed portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, earning him widespread recognition and award nominations.
Through the following years, Neeson built a diverse portfolio, from romantic dramas to his turn as a Jedi Master in Star Wars. But in 2008, he reinvented himself as an action hero with Taken, where his character’s “very special set of skills” became instantly iconic. This shift surprised fans of Love Actually, who saw him transition into high-stakes thrillers in his mid-50s, proving his appeal across film genres.
Taken became a blockbuster, and Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent determined to save his kidnapped daughter, deeply resonated with audiences. “It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences,” he told People in an October 2024 interview.
The character of Mills became an iconic action role, with Neeson’s famous phone threat solidifying him as an unlikely but compelling action hero. The success of Taken led to two sequels and a host of other action roles, making Neeson a trusted name in the genre.
Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and the upcoming Thug, noted Neeson’s unique intensity. “When he’s deeply in character, you can see the hurt and pain. He really becomes that person,” Moland said.
Despite his successful action career, Neeson has shared that he’s considering stepping back due to his age. Even at 72, he continues to do many of his own stunts, working closely with his longtime stunt double, Mark Vanselow, who has coordinated his stunts since Taken. Neeson has maintained, “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be doing my fight scenes.”
The Oscar-nominated actor reflected, “Maybe by the end of next year. I think that’s it.” But Neeson isn’t saying goodbye to acting altogether—he’s simply changing lanes.
In a surprising turn, he’s ready to take on comedy. Neeson recently wrapped filming on The Naked Gun, a remake of the 1988 comedic crime classic. In the 2025 film, Neeson will play the beloved detective Frank Drebin, originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson as his co-star.
“I’m totally smitten with her. I can’t say enough good things. She’s incredibly funny,” Neeson said, while admitting he’s nervous about comedy, saying, “I really don’t know if I can pull it off.” However, Anderson assured fans that he’s simply being modest. “It was hard to keep a straight face during our scenes together,” she told People.
What are your thoughts on Liam Neeson’s decision to step back from action roles? Let us know, and share this story to hear from other fans!
You Don’t Wanna Miss These 29 Promo Codes If You Love a Bargain
Amazon makes it so easy for all of us to find amazing bargains and purchase items, even 50% off. Whether you need something for your kid, your beauty regimen, or your household, we have you covered. Keep scrolling to discover the 29 products that currently have promo codes.
Health and household
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Beauty and grooming
Professional hair dryer
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Natural exfoliating loofah scrubber
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Hair crimper for creating wavy hairstyles
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Kitchen and dining
Heated portable lunch box
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Cast aluminum Dutch oven
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Touchless kitchen faucet
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Stove gap covers
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Water dispenser for 5-gallon bottle
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Baby and nursery
Baby teether toy
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Baby proofing drawer locks
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Indoor and outdoor retractable baby gate
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Home improvement
Candle warmer lamp with timer
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Wooden pegboard for organizing items
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Under cabinet lights with motion sensor
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Galaxy LED projector
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Flameless candle with remote control
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Shower razor holder
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Waterproof solar garden lights
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Car rim repair pens for scratches
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Who hasn’t battled the annoying ear wax in your favorite earbuds? It’s so easy to find a tool for solving such an issue, as it is to locate items that are both useful and entertaining.
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.
Preview photo credit Matt / Amazon
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