Liam Neeson, 72, opens up on retirement from action movies
Liam Neeson, 72, has had a diverse career, from playing a Jedi Master to a vengeful father in Taken. Recently, he mentioned considering retirement, acknowledging that “it has to stop at some stage.” Known for his roles in films like Schindler’s List, he gained global fame in the ’90s and went on to star in various genres, including romantic leads and action-packed films.
Taken was a massive success, and the star’s performance of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA operative determined to rescue his kidnapped daughter, resonated with audiences.
“It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences,” the father of two tells People in an October 2024 interview.
His gruff, no-nonsense portrayal of a relentless father made him an unlikely but hugely effective action hero. The film’s iconic phone scene, where Mills delivers his memorable threat, became a defining moment in modern action cinema.
The film’s success not only solidified Neeson’s place as a late-career action star but also spawned two successful sequels and other similar roles in action films.
“When he’s immersed in the character he is, you see the hurt, you see the pain,” says Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and also in the upcoming film Thug. “He becomes that man.”
Despite his success in action films and the unwavering faith directors have in Neeson’s ability to throw a punch, the Absolution star recently announced that he plans to retire from the genre due to his age.
At 72, Liam Neeson is considering retiring from action films, acknowledging his age and physical limitations. He’s worked closely with stunt coordinator Mark Vanselow to ensure he can still perform his own stunts safely. Neeson has hinted at retiring by the end of next year but is transitioning into comedy with The Naked Gun reboot, where he stars as Frank Drebin alongside Pamela Anderson. Neeson is unsure of his comedic skills, but Anderson praises his humor, saying it was hard to keep a straight face during their scenes.
