Liam Neeson, an accomplished Irish actor, has an impressive net worth of $145 million. Over his career, he has starred in more than 90 films, with notable roles in Schindler’s List (1993), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Batman Begins (2005), and Taken (2008). Neeson’s career achievements include an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List.
Neeson’s performance in the Taken trilogy earned him significant paychecks. He reportedly earned $5 million for the first Taken film, $15 million for Taken 2 (2012), and $20 million for Taken 3 (2014). The total earnings from the franchise before taxes amounted to a substantial $40 million.
Born on June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson grew up in a Roman Catholic family with three sisters. His mother, Katherine, worked as a cook, while his father, Bernard, was a caretaker. Neeson developed an interest in boxing at a young age, winning several regional titles. He also found a passion for acting after being offered a lead role in a school play at the age of 11.
Liam Neeson’s acting career began in 1976 when he joined Belfast’s Lyric Players’ Theatre. He made his film debut in 1978 with Pilgrim’s Progress, based on a Christian allegory. Neeson then moved to Dublin, performing in various theaters. His breakout film role came in Excalibur (1981), and after that, he appeared in several major films and miniseries. In 1986, Neeson made his Hollywood debut in Suspect alongside Cher and Dennis Quaid.
Neeson’s career flourished with roles in films such as The Dead Pool (1988) and Darkman (1990). His Broadway debut in Anna Christie (1993) caught the attention of director Steven Spielberg, who offered him the role of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List. The success of the film helped cement Neeson as a Hollywood leading man. His notable subsequent roles included Rob Roy (1995), Michael Collins (1996), and Les Misérables (1998).
Liam Neeson’s career continued to thrive with roles in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and Gangs of New York (2002). In 2008, he starred in Taken, a film that became a massive hit and grossed $223.9 million worldwide. He later starred in the Clash of the Titans films, which collectively grossed $475 million. Neeson has also lent his voice to various animated films, including The Lego Movie (2014) and The Nut Job (2014).
Liam Neeson’s personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. He dated actress Helen Mirren for four years in the 1980s. Neeson married actress Natasha Richardson in 1994, and they had two sons, Micheál and Daniel. Tragically, Natasha passed away in 2009 due to a skiing accident, prompting Liam to donate her organs. In honor of his late wife, Micheál changed his last name to Richardson.
In addition to his acting career, Neeson has been active in charitable causes. He has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2011 and supports CineMagic, a Belfast-based charity that encourages young people’s interest in film and digital technology. Neeson also holds citizenship in Ireland, America, and the United Kingdom and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2009 from his alma mater.
Liam Neeson has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including a Chicago Film Critics Association Award and an Evening Standard British Film Award. His performance in Schindler’s List earned him several prestigious nominations. He has received Golden Globe nominations for Michael Collins and Kinsey and won a Fangoria Chainsaw Award in 2013. Neeson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.
Liam Neeson has also made significant real estate investments. He and his late wife, Natasha Richardson, purchased an apartment on Central Park West for $1.4 million in 1994, which he later sold in 2010. Additionally, Neeson owns a 37-acre estate in Millbrook, New York, which includes a tennis court and swimming pool. He purchased the property in 1994, long before his marriage to Natasha Richardson.
