Over nearly five decades in Hollywood, Liam Neeson has played some of the screen’s most memorable characters—from a wise Jedi Master to a compassionate hero in dark times, a grieving widower, and, most famously, a relentless father in Taken that propelled him to action stardom.
Now, at 72, Neeson is contemplating retirement from action films, admitting he’s unsure if he can keep up with the intense physical demands. “It has to end at some point,” he shared, hinting that his days of throwing punches may be winding down.
Liam Neeson’s illustrious career has spanned a variety of genres, highlighting his versatility. The Irish actor first rose to fame in the early 1990s with his acclaimed portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, earning him widespread recognition and award nominations.
Through the following years, Neeson built a diverse portfolio, from romantic dramas to his turn as a Jedi Master in Star Wars. But in 2008, he reinvented himself as an action hero with Taken, where his character’s “very special set of skills” became instantly iconic. This shift surprised fans of Love Actually, who saw him transition into high-stakes thrillers in his mid-50s, proving his appeal across film genres.
Taken became a blockbuster, and Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent determined to save his kidnapped daughter, deeply resonated with audiences. “It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences,” he told People in an October 2024 interview.
The character of Mills became an iconic action role, with Neeson’s famous phone threat solidifying him as an unlikely but compelling action hero. The success of Taken led to two sequels and a host of other action roles, making Neeson a trusted name in the genre.
Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and the upcoming Thug, noted Neeson’s unique intensity. “When he’s deeply in character, you can see the hurt and pain. He really becomes that person,” Moland said.
Despite his successful action career, Neeson has shared that he’s considering stepping back due to his age. Even at 72, he continues to do many of his own stunts, working closely with his longtime stunt double, Mark Vanselow, who has coordinated his stunts since Taken. Neeson has maintained, “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be doing my fight scenes.”
The Oscar-nominated actor reflected, “Maybe by the end of next year. I think that’s it.” But Neeson isn’t saying goodbye to acting altogether—he’s simply changing lanes.
In a surprising turn, he’s ready to take on comedy. Neeson recently wrapped filming on The Naked Gun, a remake of the 1988 comedic crime classic. In the 2025 film, Neeson will play the beloved detective Frank Drebin, originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson as his co-star.
“I’m totally smitten with her. I can’t say enough good things. She’s incredibly funny,” Neeson said, while admitting he’s nervous about comedy, saying, “I really don’t know if I can pull it off.” However, Anderson assured fans that he’s simply being modest. “It was hard to keep a straight face during our scenes together,” she told People.
What are your thoughts on Liam Neeson’s decision to step back from action roles? Let us know, and share this story to hear from other fans!
Flight Attendant Reveals Surprising Reason Why Cabin Crew Sits On Their Hands During Take Off and Landing
In the world of air travel, flight attendants do much more than serve drinks and snacks—they are highly trained safety professionals, responsible for the well-being of all passengers. Among the many safety protocols they follow, one unusual practice often catches the eye: flight attendants sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing. While it may look odd to the average traveler, there is an important reason behind this procedure.
Image Credit: @_hennylim_ TikTok
Let’s explore the purpose of this practice and how it plays a critical role in ensuring safety during flights.
The Bracing Position Explained by a Flight Attendant
If you’ve ever noticed flight attendants buckling up in their jump seats and adopting a particular posture—sitting on their hands as the plane takes off or prepares to land—you might wonder what they’re doing. In a viral TikTok video, Cebu Pacific flight attendant Henny Lim sheds light on this often-overlooked protocol.
According to Lim, the posture flight attendants take, known as the bracing position, involves several key actions:
Fastening seatbelts securely
Sitting upright
Placing hands on their thighs with thumbs tucked in
Keeping arms relaxed
Ensuring their feet are flat on the floor
While this position may seem strange to passengers, it’s designed to serve a crucial purpose, especially in the event of an emergency.
Purpose of the Bracing Position
The main goal of the bracing position is to minimize movement and reduce the risk of injury if a crash or emergency landing occurs. During an impact, bodies can be thrown forward with significant force, leading to dangerous, uncontrolled movements, or flailing, which increases the risk of injury. By sitting on their hands and securing themselves, flight attendants limit their body’s motion and protect their limbs from potential harm.
Additionally, flight attendants use this time to mentally prepare for emergency scenarios. As Lim explains, this involves conducting a “silent review” where they mentally go over safety procedures, emergency exits, equipment, and commands. This mental preparation ensures they can act swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency, prioritizing passenger safety at all times.
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