Liam Neeson, the beloved action star known for his gritty roles, has officially announced his intention to step away from action movies. After decades of thrilling audiences worldwide, the 72-year-old actor admits it may be time to hang up his fighting boots. “I’m 72 – it has to stop at some stage,” Neeson shared in an interview with People magazine.
Despite his age, the “Taken” star is still actively performing his own fight sequences. However, Neeson has leaned on his stunt double, Mark Vanselow, for the more extreme moments. “You can’t fool audiences,” he explained, noting his desire for authenticity on screen. “I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me.”
End of an Action-Packed Era
Neeson, who transformed himself into an unexpected action hero at the age of 56 with the 2008 blockbuster “Taken,” has hinted that he plans to retire from action films in 2025.
“Maybe the end of next year. I think that’s it,” Neeson confessed to the outlet.
Before his Hollywood career took off, Neeson worked a variety of jobs—including as a forklift operator at Guinness Brewery and as a truck driver. His first film role was portraying Jesus Christ in the 1978 religious drama “Pilgrim’s Progress,” after getting his start in theater.
From Consideration of Retirement to Global Stardom
In 1986, Neeson relocated from London to Los Angeles following a guest role on the popular TV series “Miami Vice.” He went on to appear in Woody Allen’s “Husbands and Wives” (1988), and the films “Leap of Faith” and “Shining Through” in 1992. Disillusioned by their underwhelming box office performances, Neeson contemplated leaving Hollywood.
His career took a dramatic turn in 1994 when he landed the lead role as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List,” which propelled him to international stardom. Spielberg had discovered Neeson after watching his performance in the Broadway play “Agatha Christie,” where Neeson starred alongside his future wife, Natasha Richardson. His portrayal of Schindler earned him nominations for an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe, securing his place as a Hollywood A-Lister.
Liam Neeson Embraces Comedy
Neeson’s acting range extends beyond action and drama, and his fans may soon see a different side of him—comedy. He has recently wrapped up filming for “The Naked Gun,” a reboot of the Leslie Nielsen-led cop comedy franchise. Reflecting on his latest venture, Neeson admitted, “Whether I can carry it or not, I honestly don’t know,” in reference to his role as Frank Drebin Jr.
His upcoming role in “The Naked Gun” may be a fresh start for Neeson as he steps away from the high-octane action scenes that defined much of his recent career. Now at 72, Liam Neeson’s willingness to embrace a new genre—and an entirely different set of challenges—reflects his versatility and dedication to his craft.
