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, born William John Neeson, is a highly acclaimed actor from Northern Ireland recognized with nominations for prestigious awards including an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globes, and Tony Awards. He was recognized as one of Ireland's greatest film actors. Neeson's contribution to the arts was further acknowledged with his appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1981: Meeting Helen Mirren on Excalibur

In the early 1980s, Liam Neeson lived with actress Helen Mirren, whom he met while working on Excalibur (1981).

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 and Natasha Richardson were married.

1995: Birth of Son Micheál

In 1995, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson's first son, Micheál, was born.

1996: Birth of Son Daniel

In 1996, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson's second son, Daniel, was born.

August 1998: Omagh Bombing

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

October 1998: Libel Damages from Daily Mirror

In October 1998, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson won £50,000 in libel damages after the Daily Mirror wrongly claimed their marriage was suffering. They donated the money to victims of the Omagh bombing.

2000: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 2000, Liam Neeson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year Honours.

2000: Declined "Freedom of the Town of Ballymena"

In 2000, Liam Neeson was offered the "Freedom of the Town of Ballymena" by the Ballymena Borough Council. However, due to objections from members of the Democratic Unionist Party regarding his past comments about feeling like a "second-class citizen" as a Catholic in the town, Neeson declined the award, citing existing tensions.

2003: Quit Smoking

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

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August 2004: Purchase of Estate in Millbrook, New York

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

2008: Honoured by The American Ireland Fund

In 2008, The American Ireland Fund honoured Liam Neeson with their Performing Arts Award for the great distinction he has brought to Ireland at their Dinner Gala in New York City.

March 2009: Death of Natasha Richardson

On March 18, 2009, Natasha Richardson died from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a skiing accident. Liam Neeson donated her organs following her death.

2009: Awarded Honorary Doctorate

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

March 2011: Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In March 2011, Liam Neeson was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.

June 2012: Denial of Conversion to Islam

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

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2012: Declining role in Lincoln

In 2012, Liam Neeson declined the role of Abraham Lincoln in the film Lincoln, citing that he was too old for the role.

January 2013: Received Freedom of the Borough

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

2014: Protest Against Anti-Carriage Horse Campaign

In 2014, Liam Neeson protested against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's anti-carriage horse campaign, writing an opinion piece in The New York Times in support of the carriage trade.

January 2015: Gun Control Views and Para USA's Response

In January 2015, Liam Neeson reiterated his views on gun control, calling U.S. gun laws a "disgrace." In response, Para USA, which supplied prop weapons for the Taken series, stated they would no longer provide firearms for his films.

2016: Opposition to Brexit

In 2016, Liam Neeson voiced his opposition to Brexit, stating it would be a shame to sacrifice the progress made by the peace process regarding border controls.

September 2017: Comparison of Trump's Presidency to Watergate

In September 2017, Liam Neeson compared Donald Trump's U.S. presidency to the Watergate scandal of Richard Nixon, stating that no one, including the president, is above the law.

2017: Advocacy for Integrated Education

In 2017, Liam Neeson voiced his long-term support for integrated education in Northern Ireland, advocating for Catholics and Protestants to be educated together. He praised schools that transformed segregated schools into integrated schools and fronted television adverts to encourage parents to integrate their children's schools.

2017: Listed Among Most Influential Philanthropists

In 2017, Liam Neeson was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 74 in the list of 200 Most Influential Philanthropists and Social Entrepreneurs Worldwide.

January 2018: Distinguished Service for the Irish Abroad Award

In January 2018, Liam Neeson was awarded the Distinguished Service for the Irish Abroad Award by Irish President Michael D. Higgins, an award recognizing contributions to humanity.

January 2018: Criticism for MeToo Comments

In January 2018, Liam Neeson was criticised for his comments on Ireland's Late Late Show, where he described the MeToo movement as a "witch hunt".

February 2019: Controversy over Revenge Comments

In February 2019, Liam Neeson faced public and media controversy after an interview with The Independent while promoting Cold Pursuit. He recounted an experience from 40 years prior where he sought revenge after learning a friend was raped by a black man, admitting he patrolled areas hoping to provoke a confrontation with a black man. He expressed shame and regret for his actions.

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June 2020: Death of Mother

In June 2020, Liam Neeson's mother, Kitty, passed away. Due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he was unable to return to his hometown for her funeral.