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Liam Neeson, 72, Reflects On Stepping Away From Action Films

Liam Neeson’s cinematic journey has spanned almost five decades, during which he’s portrayed characters as diverse as a Jedi Master, a member of the Nazi party for a morally complex role, a charming widower, and, most famously, a relentless father in the Taken series—a role that unexpectedly transformed him into an action icon in his mid-fifties. This reinvention turned Neeson, known primarily for dramatic roles, into a household name synonymous with high-stakes action and gritty resolve.

Now, at 72, Neeson is contemplating retirement from action films, remarking that “it has to stop at some stage.” As age advances, the once seemingly indestructible action hero wonders if he can still convincingly deliver the intense scenes that audiences have come to love. For fans, the news might signal the end of an era.

Over the years, Liam Neeson has built a reputation as a versatile and deeply respected actor. His breakout role came in the early 1990s when he played Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, a film that earned him international acclaim and solidified his place among Hollywood’s finest. The performance not only brought him critical recognition but also opened the door to numerous award nominations, setting the stage for a career that would defy easy categorization.

Throughout the following decade, Neeson showcased his range by diving into various roles—from romantic leads to iconic characters like Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, a part in one of cinema’s biggest franchises. But his career took an unexpected turn in 2008 with Taken, where he portrayed Bryan Mills, a retired CIA operative determined to save his kidnapped daughter. The role, featuring the unforgettable line “I will find you, and I will kill you,” became an instant classic. It struck a chord with audiences worldwide and catapulted Neeson into the realm of action, marking a new chapter in his career at a time when most actors might be winding down.

This foray into action films at age 56 came as a surprise to many who knew him for his dramatic roles. However, Taken proved that Neeson had the grit and gravitas needed to captivate action fans, and his portrayal of Bryan Mills was widely praised. The film’s success not only made him a viable action star in his late fifties but also led to two sequels and a series of similar roles that showcased his tough, relentless on-screen presence.
Neeson himself acknowledges the unique appeal that his performance seemed to tap into. He noted in a recent interview that Taken had “touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences.” The role’s intensity, coupled with Neeson’s no-nonsense delivery, made Mills an iconic character. The franchise’s massive success marked Neeson’s status as a top action star, allowing him to take on similar roles in films that demanded physical prowess and the portrayal of complex, often tortured characters.
Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and the upcoming film Thug, describes the actor’s deep commitment to his roles. “When he’s immersed in the character, you see the hurt, you see the pain,” Moland shares. “He becomes that man.” This ability to embody his characters so convincingly has helped Neeson maintain a strong connection with audiences even as he’s aged.
Despite his ongoing success, Neeson has indicated that his age is beginning to limit his ability to perform demanding action scenes. Known for his hands-on approach to stunts, Neeson has always preferred to do as much of his own action work as possible, often collaborating with his longtime stunt coordinator and double, Mark Vanselow. Their partnership, which began with Taken, has become a defining part of Neeson’s late-career action roles. Vanselow designs intense fight sequences tailored to Neeson’s abilities, ensuring that the actor can perform as much of the action as possible without compromising safety. However, Neeson admits, “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me.” This honesty about his limits reflects his respect for both the art of film and the intelligence of his fans.
When pressed about his retirement timeline, Neeson hints that he may be ready to step back from action films in the near future, possibly by the end of next year. This revelation is bittersweet for fans who have come to see Neeson as an enduring figure in action cinema. However, the actor doesn’t appear to be entirely stepping away from the screen. He’s now exploring a new direction, taking on roles in comedy, a genre he’s rarely ventured into.
Recently, Neeson completed filming The Naked Gun, a reboot of the 1988 crime spoof comedy originally starring the late Leslie Nielsen as the hilariously inept cop Frank Drebin. In the 2025 release, Neeson takes on the role of Drebin, partnering with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson. “I’m madly in love with her,” he says of Anderson, adding, “I can’t compliment her enough. She’s funny.” Though Neeson himself is uncertain about his comedic abilities, Anderson assures fans that his humility doesn’t reflect his talent. “It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together,” she shares, hinting at a lively chemistry between the two on set.
Neeson’s move into comedy represents yet another reinvention in a career that has already seen many transformations. While it may seem like an unusual choice for someone known for intense dramatic and action roles, it’s also a testament to Neeson’s desire to continue challenging himself and keeping his work fresh. Trying his hand at comedy could open new doors and help him connect with audiences in a different way, allowing fans to see a lighter side of him.
As he approaches what could be his final year in action films, Neeson’s legacy as a cinematic chameleon who has skillfully navigated roles across genres is undeniable. From his early days as a respected dramatic actor to his unexpected rise as an action hero and now a budding comedy star, Neeson’s career has been one of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Even if he ultimately steps away from the action genre, fans will surely continue to follow his journey, eager to see what he brings to the screen next.
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Research shows body senses death is near – it starts in nose

There is one thing in life that every human being will go through, and that is experiencing death. Despite the universality of the experience, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding it.

Humans do not like to be in the dark about things, and perhaps that is why the idea of death scares so many people. However, research shows that while death remains largely a mystery, some of the things surrounding it are becoming more and more obvious.

Keep reading to learn more.

What cannot be explained by science is often referred to as a ‘sixth sense’ by people. And sometimes, scientific research comes out which ends up confirming what humans had long suspected with their sixth sense.

According to research, when a person dies, their body immediately starts to break down. During this, putrescine is emitted into the surroundings. Putrescine is a toxic and foul smell, and humans, at a subconscious level, can recognize this as a putrefying odor. And when the human brain recognizes this scent, it immediately responds to the death.

Researcher Arnaud Wisman from the University of Kent’s School of Psychology in Canterbury, UK, and Ilan Shira from the Department of Behavioral Sciences in Arkansas’ Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, shared that much like animals, humans can also sense scents and respond accordingly. This is a major survival tactic developed across several species. So when humans come across putrescine, consciously or subconsciously, they respond to it.

The researchers conducted experiments that show that when humans are exposed to the putrescine scent, they move away similarly to animals who also run away in similar circumstances. “We do not know why we like (or dislike) someone’s smell, and we’re usually not aware of how scent influences our emotions, preferences, and attitudes,” Wisman and Shira stated.

“It is hard to think of a scent as frightening,” other researchers have claimed. But it is not untrue that scents make people more alert about their surroundings.

Sex pheromones, which are defined as odors produced by males or females, also have a reaction on human behavior, which usually brings a reaction in another human for the purpose of mating.

“Putrescine signals a different type of message than pheromones, but people’s responses to putrescine (avoidance and hostility) do seem indeed to be the opposite of responses to many sexual pheromones,” one researcher explained.

But unlike other scents, for this one, humans are not aware they are smelling it and their response is more likely subconscious. So it seems our nose can help us figure out if there is death or perhaps ‘danger’ nearby.

It is always so fascinating to learn about how humans work and how our subconscious might be reacting to things we might not even notice! Share this with others so they can also know about this fascinating discovery.

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Tom Selleck says fatherhood is the “most important” role he has ever played

Having served in the military and gained international recognition for his work in TV and film, it’s safe to say Tom Selleck has had one busy life.

Yet whilst it’s impressive that he’s managed to retain the respect and love of the masses throughout the entirety of his career, arguably an even greater feat is that he’s kept his family life private over the years.

The Magnum P.I. actor has faced some serious challenges across the decades, but his golden rule has always been to put his family first.

It’s no surprise, then, that Selleck admitted, as per CBS Local in 2012, that fatherhood is the most important role he’s ever had to play.

Selleck and his wife, fellow actress Jillie Mack, welcomed their daughter Hannah Magaret to the world in 1988. For Selleck, it was a day that changed everything.

The actor even moved his family to a ranch in Ventura County, California, as he believed it would give them the best shot at raising Hannah out of the searing spotlight of Hollywood.

“I quit Magnum to have a family,” Selleck explained to People back in 2012.

“It took a long time to get off the train, but I try very hard to have balance, and this ranch has helped me do that.”

Fast forward to now and that’s a choice that certainly seems to have paid dividends.

Not only was Hannah given a safe, rural environment in which to grow up, but living on the ranch brought her closer to the animals that would shape her own career: horses.

The now 36-year-old forged a career as a world-class equestrian, winning laurels and fame in her own right along the way.

Tom Selleck — Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

“As a kid [my parents] tried to raise me as normally as possible given my dad’s line of work,” she told The Epoch Times.

“Those horses have been a great way for me to have my own accomplishments outside of whatever my parents had done.” Hannah started horse-riding at the tender young age of 4 and there’s been no looking back since.”

Tom Selleck never fails to impress me, and I know I can’t be the only fan of his!

Share this article if you, too, think Tom Selleck is a good actor and, more importantly, a good man.

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Sally Jessy Raphael claims Instagram won’t verify her account

Once a staple on daytime television in the 80s and 90s, Sally Lowenthal, also known as Sally Jessy Raphael, is having trouble with people recognizing her.

The former talk show host took to Instagram claiming the social media company refused to verify her account despite her providing them proof of her identity.

“So, Instagram doesn’t want to give me my blue check – no matter what proof I send them,” the 89-year-old wrote alongside an image of a gigantic blue checkmark. “AND there’s a fake account called ‘realsallyjr’, and that’s NOT ME! Help me let Instagram know, so we can fix this.”

Raphael began hosting the The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, later titled Sally, in October 1983. She hosted the tabloid-style show until May 2002.

Her show was one of the first syndicated talk shows that involved audience participation. She helped paved the way for women in the business, including Oprah whose show premiered three years after Sally.

Over the course of 20 seasons, Raphael interviewed countless celebrities, though she always maintained that Audrey Hepburn was her favorite.

“I was so awestruck, I could hardly ask a question. Everything she did, I admired. Everything she had done in her life I found to be exemplary,” she told the DailyMail.

Throughout her career and even into her retirement, Raphael has maintained a signature look that makes her stand out in a crowd.

When filming began for The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, she realized she couldn’t see the teleprompter.

“When we started, I looked at the teleprompter and I said ”I can’t read that! I’m going blind!’ “

404446 04: Talk show host Sally Jesse Raphael tapes her last show April 24, 2002 in New York City. Her last show will air this May. (Photo by Jim Lord/Getty Images)

On her search for a new prescription, Raphael came across an ad for an eye test, glasses and a Pap smear. Despite the bizarre ad, the talk show host booked an appointment.

During the appointment she was told she would need a more expensive pair of glasses, but unfortunately they only color they had was red.

“You got it,” Raphael said.

Although she didn’t anticipate the trouble she’d face from the producers of her show.

TV Personality Sally Jessy Raphael attending 17th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 28, 1990 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, New York. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

“I had to fight to have the glasses. Producers tried to change them. Those shadowy figures objected to everything.”

She has since accumulated over 200 pairs of red glasses.

As of August 2, Raphael currently has less than 650 followers on Instagram, but even though her numbers might not match those of other talk show hosts, her fans are just as loud if not louder with their support.

“The Icon, the Legend of daytime TV, Ms. Sally Jessy Raphael needs her Blue Check Mark ? “

“That’s pretty crazy that someone as famous as you are is having trouble with being recognized. I’m trying to understand what the issue is though”

“We should flood your feed with blue hearts it’s so much better than a blue checkmark”

I remember watching Sally on TV! Do you? Let us know in the comments.