Liam Neeson, the renowned actor who has established himself as one of Hollywood's toughest heroes, is not showing any signs of slowing down as he approaches his 70th birthday on June 7, 2022. With the release of his latest film, Blacklight, set for February 11, the Northern Irish star reflected on his unexpected evolution within the action genre, something he embraced later in his career.
"I started being offered all these action scripts," Neeson shared with laughter during his interview with Willie Geist for NBC's Sunday TODAY. "And I'm going, 'Wow. The lead is 29 years of age.'" The 69-year-old Neeson playfully recounted how he would often cross out the age and change it to something more fitting for himself, joking, "55, 56, 57." With humor intact, he acknowledged, "I turn 70 this year, so I'm still getting away with it."
Neeson is acutely aware, though, of the reality of aging, expressing his expectation to eventually step back from the action hero titles. "The action movies will draw to a close — they have to," he reflected, reminding audiences, "They're gonna go, 'Oh, f*** this guy, Liam Neeson. He's got to be 71, 72, 73...' I'll stop at some stage." While Neeson's impressive stature and rugged persona have allowed him to defy the odds, he remains cognizant of the limitations placed by age.
His leap to action stardom began with the 2008 thriller Taken, where he defined the role of the vengeful father with his iconic line, "I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." Interestingly, Neeson admits he initially thought some parts of this line were too over the top. "When we shot the scene ... I thought, 'This is hokey. This is just hokey. Can we cut some of these skills out of the speech?'" Yet, the line is now one of his most famous quotes, illustrating how audiences embraced his hero persona.
During his career—the nearly 40 years filled with various roles across genres—Neeson has epitomized the action star trope, turning from serious dramas to slick action thrillers. His unique ability to blend physicality and emotion is impressive, crediting his childhood passion for boxing for helping him convey intensity during fight scenes. "I just love the physicality," he mentioned, showcasing his respect for the craft.
Neeson also had the chance to joke with Conan O'Brien during a segment on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend. Their comedic chemistry was evident when Conan expressed envy of Neeson's commanding voice. "I wish you could teach me to talk like you," Conan admitted, sparking laughter. Neeson humbly stated he was annoyed by his own voice and commented, "I've seen you a few times, I've done your shows several times. I love it; I admire it."
Interestingly, the topic of Neeson's potential role as James Bond came up during the chat. He recalled the interest filmmakers had after his standout performance in Schindler's List, but credited his late wife Natasha Richardson with quashing those chances. "She said if you're offered James Bond, we're not getting married," he shared, underlining how personal commitments have shaped his career decisions.
Today, Neeson's relatable humor, reflective insights, and willingness to confront age acknowledge his unique place within Hollywood. He embraces his success as both action hero and nuanced actor, producing memorable performances across genres, from dramas like Schindler's List and Michael Collins to recent thrillers and comedies.
With Blacklight approaching its release, audiences remain excited to witness Neeson channeling his iconic action hero presence, even as he contemplates the future of his cinematic ventures. Undoubtedly, Neeson's legacy as one of Hollywood's most charismatic and powerful actors is firmly cemented, illuminated by his genuine reflections on the art of acting and the passing of time.