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Born June 7, 1952, Irish actor Liam Neeson grew up with an interest in sports and developed a passion for acting at an early age. Raised Roman Catholic in a predominately Protestant Irish town, Neeson was inspired by the theatrics of loyalist politician and Protestant leader Ian Paisley. After an unsuccessful attempt at a career in football, Liam would turn to his other great passion, acting.
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After starting his acting career on the theater stage, Liam Neeson would land his very first film with 1981's medieval fantasy film Excalibur. While the role would not be his breakthrough, it would lead to more prominent roles for Liam in the years to come.
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The 1980s would bring a string of prominent roles for Liam Neeson and would help to prepare him for his big break. Starring in hit films like The Bounty alongside Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins, and 1989's Next of Kin with Patrick Swayze, helped to build Liam's impressive resume.
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In 1993, Liam Neeson took on the role that would change his life forever, "Oskar Schindler" in box-office hit Schindler's List. While Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson, and Warren Beatty had all vied for the role, director Steven Spielberg only wanted Neeson, and the choice was a wise one as the film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
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After his outstanding performance in Schindler's List, Liam Neeson would become one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors. The next few years would bring hit film after hit film, including 1994 drama Nell and 1996 historical biopic Michael Collins.
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By 1999, Liam Neeson was well respected and considered an acting professional. One director who couldn't wait to work with the master actor was George Lucas, who believed Liam would bring the strength and maturity needed for the role of "Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn" in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Lucas was not disappointed with his decision, and the film went on to be a box-office success.
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The early 2000's continued to bring success for Liam Neeson. Among his best roles from this time are his titular role in 2004's biographical drama Kinsey and as villian "Ra's al Ghul" in 2005's Batman Begins.
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Perhaps one of the most popular and well-known roles of Liam Neeson's career is as retired CIA operative and overprotective father "Bryan Mills" in the Taken film series. The films would bring a resurgence to his popularity and land him roles in numerous Hollywood films to come.
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By 2011, Liam Neeson was all Hollywood could talk about. With roles in successful films including Clash of the Titans (2010), Chloe (2010), and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) it is no wonder why. 2011 would continue to bring critical acclaim for Liam Neeson with his part in survival film The Grey.
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Liam Neeson has continued to see success in more recent years and has even collaborated with famed producer Martin Scorsese for the 2016 film adaptation of Silence. Other recent Liam favorites of ours include 2014's The Lego Movie, in which Neeson voices the "Bad Cop/Good Cop" and 2016's A Monster Calls.
Ranked as one of "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" by Empire magazine, Irish actor Liam Neeson has more than earned his spot in Hollywood. With films including The Bounty and the Taken series, here is a look at Liam Neeson's best roles.
Enjoy!