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TAKEN WITH LIAM

How old is Liam Neeson and who was his wife?

LIAM Neeson is an international Hollywood star thanks to his long and successful career in film.

But what are his biggest movies? And what happened to his wife Natasha Richardson? Here's a look at the life and career of Neeson.

 Liam Neeson is a Hollywood movie star
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Liam Neeson is a Hollywood movie starCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Who is Liam Neeson?

Liam John Neeson, OBE, 68, was born June 7, 1952 and is an actor from Northern Ireland.

He started his career in the 80s but shot to international stardom when he starred as the title role in Steven Spielberg's Academy Award-winning film, Schindler's List (1993).

He has been nominated for a number of awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor, a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and three Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama.

Liam's wife Natasha Richardson died at the age of 45 from serious head injuries inflicted in a skiing accident in March 2009.

The star suffered fresh heartache in January 2019 when his nephew died five years after suffering serious head injuries in a fall on a night out with pals.

Ronan Sexton, 35, passed away at home surrounded by family in Cushendall, Northern Ireland.

 He shot to fame in Schindler's List
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He shot to fame in Schindler's ListCredit: Universal Pictures

What are Liam Neeson's biggest movies?

  • Taken
  • Taken 2
  • Taken 3
  • Non-Stop
  • The Grey
  • Schindler's List
  • Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
  • Unknown
  • Love Actually
  • The A-Team
 Liam is known for starring in the Taken trilogy
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Liam is known for starring in the Taken trilogyCredit: Handout

How did Liam spark a race row?

Liam revealed his shame after once walking the streets looking for a "black b******" to kill after a loved one was raped.

In an interview, the Irish actor, 66,  said that after being told the attacker was black, he "went up and down areas with a cosh " hoping a black person "would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him."

Liam, who has come under fire for his comments, said during the interview with the  that his behaviour was "awful"; and it took him more than a week to calm down.

"It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that," he said. "And I’ve never admitted that, and I’m saying it to a journalist. God forbid."

He added: "It’s awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, ‘What the f*** are you doing’, you know?"

In response to the interview Liam has been branded racist by fans amid a massive backlash online.

"Wow so Liam Neeson is f*****g cancelled. So if the guy was white you'd go stalking the streets to find a random, unrelated white person to kill? Scumbag," one outraged reader tweeted.

Another added: "That Liam Neeson interview is just so saddening (and yes, still racist). It reinforces the idea that people of colour, and especially black men, are collectively responsible for the misdeeds of one. And that when a woman is sexually violated, it's a man who is left truly wounded."

Another reader wrote: "Honestly dunno how I feel about that Liam Neeson article."

On January 5, on Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan slammed Liam for his comments.

And on the same day the New York premiere for his film Cold Pursuit was cancelled after the controversy.

And there have even been calls for the Irishman's scenes in the new Men In Black movie to be culled.

Neeson has cancelled an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert amid controversy over his “black b*****d” comments.

The Irish actor, 66, was due to appear on the US chat show on Friday, as he promotes his latest film Cold Pursuit.

However, on the listings for upcoming guests on the programme, Neeson has been replaced by The Wife actress Glenn Close.

 His late wife Natasha Richardson died after a horror ski accident
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His late wife Natasha Richardson died after a horror ski accidentCredit: DMI

Who was Liam's wife Natasha Richardson?

Liam met his late wife, actress Natasha Richardson, while performing in a revival of the play Anna Christie on Broadway in 1993 and they married on July 3, 1994.

But on March 18, 2009, tragedy struck when Natasha died when she suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in Montreal, Canada.

The couple had two sons together, Micheál Richard Antonio (born 1995) and Daniel Jack (born 1996).

Teaser trailer The Commuter starring Liam Neeson and Vera Farmiga
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