William John "Liam" Neeson
- Born:
- June 7, 1952, Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Nationality:
- Irish
- Profession(s):
- Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to Katherine "Kitty" Neeson (née Brown), a cook, and Bernard "Barney" Neeson, a caretaker at a local primary school.
- Raised Roman Catholic.
- Began acting in school plays at age 11.
- Pursued various jobs, including forklift operator for Guinness, before fully committing to acting.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started acting with the Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast.
- Moved to Dublin and joined the Abbey Theatre.
- Breakthrough role in John Boorman's Excalibur (1981).
- Gained international recognition for his performance in Schindler's List (1993), receiving an Academy Award nomination.
- Transitioned to action roles in the 2000s, achieving considerable commercial success.
- Known for versatility in dramatic, romantic, and action genres.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Excalibur | Sir Gawaine |
| 1993 | Schindler's List | Oskar Schindler |
| 1999 | Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Qui-Gon Jinn |
| 2005 | Batman Begins | Ra's al Ghul |
| 2008 | Taken | Bryan Mills |
Stage Appearances
- Numerous roles with the Lyric Players' Theatre and Abbey Theatre.
Legacy and Impact
William John "Liam" Neeson, subject of many analyses, including an updated "liam neeson biography with author names" still in progress, has had a significant impact on film. His portrayal of complex characters in critically acclaimed films and his later success in the action genre have established him as a prominent and versatile actor. He is considered an iconic figure in contemporary cinema.