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Hollywood veteran Liam Neeson has indicated he may soon step back from the action roles that defined his later career, while simultaneously embracing new creative challenges. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, the 72-year-old actor reflected on his remarkable trajectory from dramatic powerhouse to action star.
The transformation began with 2009's "Taken," which resonated deeply with audiences. "It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences," Neeson noted, acknowledging the cultural impact of his famous "particular set of skills" monologue – which recently followed him even to jury duty in New York.
Addressing his future in action films, Neeson spoke candidly about the physical demands of the genre. "I'm 72—it has to stop at some stage," he stated, indicating 2025 as a potential endpoint for his action career. While he still performs his own fight scenes, Neeson emphasized the importance of authenticity: "You can't fool audiences. I don't want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me," referring to his longtime stunt collaborator Mark Vanselow.
Director Hans Petter Moland, who worked with Neeson on "Cold Pursuit" (2019) and the upcoming "Absolution," praised the actor's ability to bring depth to action roles. "When he's immersed in the character he is, you see the hurt, you see the pain," Moland observed. "Absolution," releasing November 1, features Neeson as a boxer dealing with CTE while seeking redemption.
In an interesting career pivot, Neeson has completed filming on the highly anticipated "Naked Gun" reboot, where he plays Frank Drebin Jr. alongside Pamela Anderson. Speaking of his co-star, Neeson expressed admiration: "I'm madly in love with her. I can't compliment her enough. She's funny." While modest about his comedic abilities, Anderson defended his performance, stating, "He's being humble. It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together."
From his Oscar-nominated role in "Schindler's List" to "Star Wars" and "Love Actually," Neeson's versatility has been a hallmark of his four-decade career. As he contemplates stepping back from action films, this latest transition suggests not an ending, but rather a new chapter in an already distinguished career.
