Liam’s son Liam Neeson has proven his range over his decades-long acting career, with nominations for an Academy Award, a British Academy Award, two Tonys and three Golden Globes. The 70-year-old Irish thespian became an action hero late in life with the Taken series, where he rescues his kidnapped daughter. He earned his rom-com bona fides in the 2003 Christmas classic Love Actually, which is celebrating its 19th anniversary. In that film, he plays a widower taking care of his young love-lorn son.
As you can see, some of Liam’s most major acting roles focus on family, so it’s no surprise he’s a dedicated dad. He raised two sons, Micheál Richardson and Daniel Neeson, with his late wife Natasha Richardson.
“It’s an ongoing joy being a dad. It’s always a joy, but it’s a joyful worry,” the actor shared with Her magazine in 2013. “No matter what age they are, they’re still going to be your little boy or your little girl. And you are a hostage to love.”
Tragically, Natasha lost her life due to a skiing accident in 2009. Five years later, Liam, who wed Natasha in 1994, opened up about his last words to her when he visited her in the hospital before she died. “I went to her and told her I loved her,” he recalled to 60 Minutes. “Said, ’Sweetie, you’re not coming back from this. You’ve banged your head. It’s– I don’t know if you can hear me, but that’s– this is what’s gone down. And we’re bringing ya back to New York. All your family and friends will come.’”
Micheál and Daniel were only teenagers at the time of their mother’s death, but they have kept her memory alive and made her proud since becoming adults. Find out all about Liam and Natasha’s amazing sons, below.
Liam and Natasha welcomed their first child, son Micheál, on June 22, 1995. He caught the acting bug from both his parents at a young age and made his film debut in 2013’s Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Other notable credits include Vox Lux, Broken Symphony, Big Dogs and Paradise. Micheál was even lucky enough to share the screen with his dad in 2019’s Cold Pursuit and 2020’s Made in Italy.
In 2018, Micheál changed his last name from Neeson to Richardson to honor his late mother. “I think he did the right thing,” Liam told Radio Andy in 2020. “I’d hate for him to be constantly asked: ‘Oh are you Liam Neeson’s son?’ So, it was a lovely gesture. Natasha’s family, mother and sisters were very touched by it. I’m proud of it.”
