Early Life and Education of Liam Neeson: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Liam Neeson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Liam Neeson is a highly acclaimed Irish actor recognized for his extensive and diverse career. He has been nominated for prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Awards. He was also nominated for two Tony Awards. Recognized as one of Ireland's greatest film actors, he has also been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to acting.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1916: The Easter Rising

In 2016, Liam Neeson narrated the RTÉ One three-part documentary on the Easter Rising, in 1916.

1981: Meeting Helen Mirren

In 1981, Liam Neeson met Helen Mirren while working on Excalibur, and they lived together during the early 1980s.

1991: Dating Barbra Streisand

Between 1991 and 1992, Liam Neeson dated Barbra Streisand for about nine months.

1992: Dating Barbra Streisand

Between 1991 and 1992, Liam Neeson dated Barbra Streisand for about nine months.

1993: Meeting Natasha Richardson

In 1993, Liam Neeson met actress Natasha Richardson while performing in a revival of the play Anna Christie on Broadway.

July 1994: Marriage to Natasha Richardson

On July 3, 1994, Liam Neeson married Natasha Richardson.

1995: Birth of son Micheál

In 1995, Micheál, the son of Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson, was born.

1996: Birth of son Daniel

In 1996, Daniel, the son of Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson, was born.

August 1998: Omagh Bombing

In August 1998, the Omagh bombing occurred. Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson later donated their libel damages to the victims.

October 1998: Libel Damages Win

In October 1998, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson won £50,000 in libel damages from the Daily Mirror for a false claim and donated the money to victims of the August 1998 Omagh bombing.

2000: Declined Freedom of the Town

In 2000, Liam Neeson declined the "Freedom of the Town of Ballymena" due to objections regarding his comments about feeling like a "second-class citizen" as a Catholic.

2003: Quit Smoking

In 2003, Liam Neeson quit smoking while working on Love Actually.

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August 2004: Estate Purchase in Millbrook, New York

In August 2004, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson purchased an estate in Millbrook, New York.

March 2009: Death of Natasha Richardson

On March 18, 2009, Liam Neeson's wife, Natasha Richardson, died from a traumatic brain injury after a skiing accident. Neeson donated her organs following her death.

2009: Awarded Honorary Doctorate and Became American Citizen

In 2009, Liam Neeson became a naturalized American citizen, while still identifying as Irish. Also in 2009, Queen's University, Belfast awarded him an honorary doctorate in New York.

2009: Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Queen's University

In 2009, Liam Neeson was awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen's University, Belfast, at a ceremony in New York.

June 2012: Publicist Denies Conversion to Islam

In June 2012, Liam Neeson's publicist denied reports that he was converting to Islam. He expressed affection for the Islamic call to prayer after filming Taken 2 in Istanbul.

2012: Planned Role in Lincoln

In 2012, Liam Neeson was slated to star as Abraham Lincoln in the film Lincoln, but he eventually declined the role due to feeling too old.

January 2013: Received Freedom of the Borough

On January 28, 2013, Liam Neeson received the Freedom of the Borough from Ballymena Borough Council at a ceremony in the town.

2014: Protest Against Anti-Carriage Horse Campaign

In 2014, Liam Neeson protested against the anti-carriage horse campaign of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, arguing in The New York Times that the carriage trade was safe and provided livelihoods for immigrants.

2014: Future collaboration with Collet-Serra

In 2014, Liam Neeson's film Unknown led to a collaboration between Neeson and Collet-Serra (as director and/or producer) on a series of similar action films including Non-Stop, Run All Night, The Commuter and Retribution.

January 2015: Comments on Gun Control

In January 2015, Liam Neeson reiterated his views on U.S. gun laws, calling them a "disgrace" in an interview. Consequently, Para USA, a gun manufacturer, stated they would no longer provide firearms for films starring him.

2015: Future collaboration with Collet-Serra

In 2015, Liam Neeson's film Unknown led to a collaboration between Neeson and Collet-Serra (as director and/or producer) on a series of similar action films including Non-Stop, Run All Night, The Commuter and Retribution.

2016: Narration of RTÉ One Documentary and Action Film Recognition

In 2016, Liam Neeson narrated the RTÉ One three-part documentary on the Easter Rising, 1916. He became increasingly known as a star of action thriller films, following the success of the Taken films.

2016: Opposition to Brexit

In 2016, Liam Neeson stated his opposition to Brexit, arguing that it would sacrifice progress made by the peace process regarding border controls.

September 2017: Comparison of Trump to Nixon

In September 2017, Liam Neeson compared the U.S. presidency of Donald Trump to the Watergate scandal of Richard Nixon, stating that the president is not above the law.

2017: Supports Integrated Education in Northern Ireland

In 2017, Liam Neeson advocated for integrated education in Northern Ireland, urging Catholics and Protestants to learn together.

January 2018: Criticism for Me Too Comments

In January 2018, Liam Neeson faced criticism for describing the Me Too movement as a "witch hunt" on Ireland's Late Late Show.

2018: Future collaboration with Collet-Serra

In 2018, Liam Neeson's film Unknown led to a collaboration between Neeson and Collet-Serra (as director and/or producer) on a series of similar action films including Non-Stop, Run All Night, The Commuter and Retribution.

February 2019: Controversy over Revenge Comments

In February 2019, Liam Neeson stirred controversy after recounting a story about seeking revenge on a black man after learning a friend was raped by a black man, during an interview promoting Cold Pursuit.

June 2020: Death of Mother

In June 2020, Liam Neeson's mother, Kitty, passed away. He couldn't attend her funeral due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

2023: Future collaboration with Collet-Serra

In 2023, Liam Neeson's film Unknown led to a collaboration between Neeson and Collet-Serra (as director and/or producer) on a series of similar action films including Non-Stop, Run All Night, The Commuter and Retribution.